​

July 7, 2025

Hello Reader,

You might think leather purses and cosmetics have nothing to do with each other. But when the same trademark is used for both, the USPTO says: there’s a real chance of confusion.

That’s exactly what happened in a recent case where Huella Studio LLC tried to register the mark HUELLA (which means “fingerprint” in Spanish) for high-end leather goods.

But the mark was already registered by someone else—for cosmetics and nail products.

Even though the products weren’t identical, the TTAB affirmed the refusal to register. Why?

Here’s what tipped the scales:

✅ The Marks Were Identical

Both marks were simply the word “HUELLA.” That alone makes the risk of confusion higher.

✅ The Products Are Often Sold Together

Evidence showed that many designer brands—like Chanel, Dior, Gucci, YSL, and Hermès—sell both leather bags and cosmetics under the same brand name. That means consumers are used to seeing these types of products come from a single source.

✅ The Shopping Experience Overlaps

The USPTO pointed out that consumers often browse these items side-by-side on websites and in stores. This overlapping sales channel made confusion even more likely.

✅ The Law Requires Less Relatedness When the Marks Are Identical

Since the mark HUELLA was already used on cosmetics, and the new applicant was trying to use the exact same mark on another luxury item (leather bags), the TTAB applied a lower threshold for “relatedness.” That means even a small connection was enough.

What You Can Learn from This:

• Don’t assume your product is “different enough” to avoid a conflict.
• The USPTO looks at whether the public might think the goods come from the same source—not whether the goods are the same.
• If your mark is identical to another registered trademark, you’ll need a lot more distance between your industries to avoid confusion.

Keep Your Brand Safe and Protected,​
​

J.J. Lee and the Trademark Lawyer Law Firm Team!

P.S. If you’re launching a brand in fashion, beauty, or lifestyle—you’re probably walking into a crowded trademark space. Let’s check your mark for potential conflicts before you invest in packaging, web design, and marketing.

​trademarklawyerfirm.com​
​Unsubscribe · Preferences​