1202.07(b)    Marks That Identify Columns and Sections of Online Publications

Providing an online non-downloadable publication is considered a service rather than a good. Therefore, refusal of registration on the ground that the proposed mark is not used on "goods in trade" is inappropriate. An online non-downloadable column or section can be accessed directly and can exist independent of any single publication. See Ludden v. Metro Weekly, 8 F. Supp. 2d 7, 14, 47 USPQ2d 1087, 1093 (D.D.C. 1998). Therefore, a mark used in connection with the service of providing an online non-downloadable column or section is registrable on the Principal Register without a claim of acquired distinctiveness under Trademark Act §2(f), 15 U.S.C. §1052(f),  if registration is not barred by other sections of the Act.