On September 8, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) upheld an opposition by Finnegan client, Caterpillar, to block Big Cat Energy Corp’s attempt to register the term “Big Cat” for oil and gas well technology. The Board sided with Caterpillar, citing that Caterpillar’s numerous registrations for its distinctive “CAT” mark, along with the fact that the company is often referred to as “Big Cat” and has been associated with “big machines” for over 70 years, makes its mark famous enough to be entitled to broad protection. Caterpillar was represented by Christopher P. Foley and Naresh Kilaru.
