Snap Prevails in Battle Against Government, Retains ‘Spectacles’ Trademark

San Francisco, CA – Snap, the social media company behind Snapchat, has successfully defended itself against a government attempt to dismiss a lawsuit over the trademark for its ‘Spectacles’ product. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) had argued that the term ‘Spectacles’ was too generic and could not be protected under trademark law. However, U.S. District Judge Haywood Gilliam Jr. ruled in favor of Snap, allowing the lawsuit to proceed.

The lawsuit was filed by another company, Synapse Product Development, which claimed that it had been using the term ‘Spectacles’ for its own eyewear product before Snap launched its version. Synapse argued that its product was similar enough to Snap’s ‘Spectacles’ to cause confusion among consumers, and that Snap was infringing on its trademark.

In his ruling, Judge Gilliam stated that while the term ‘Spectacles’ was indeed descriptive, it had acquired a secondary meaning in the marketplace through Snap’s extensive advertising and promotion. As a result, he concluded that the term was eligible for trademark protection.

Snap’s ‘Spectacles’ are sunglasses equipped with a camera that allows users to capture short videos from their perspective. The product was first released in 2016 and has since gained popularity among Snap’s user base. Synapse argued that it had been developing a similar product since 2014 and had shared its plans with potential investors and partners.

The judge’s ruling means that the lawsuit will now proceed to a trial, where a jury will decide whether Snap’s ‘Spectacles’ infringe on Synapse’s trademark. If found liable, Snap could face financial damages and may be required to stop using the term ‘Spectacles’ for its product.

Snap has faced legal challenges over its trademark in the past. In 2019, the USPTO rejected its application to register the term ‘Spectacles’ as a trademark, citing its generic nature. However, Snap successfully appealed the decision, leading to the current lawsuit.

This ruling is significant for Snap as it allows the company to defend its brand and intellectual property rights. It also highlights the challenges faced by companies in protecting their trademarks in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

In conclusion, U.S. District Judge Haywood Gilliam Jr. has ruled in favor of Snap, allowing the company’s lawsuit over the ‘Spectacles’ trademark to proceed. The judge determined that the term had acquired a secondary meaning in the marketplace and was eligible for trademark protection. The ruling sets the stage for a trial, where a jury will decide whether Snap’s ‘Spectacles’ infringe on Synapse’s trademark.