Smartling asserted that Skawa’s “EASYLING” mark infringed its “SMARTLING” mark and sought to cancel the mark pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1115. In June, however, the jury found for Skawa on all counts. Undeterred, Smartling moved the TTAB to reopen its petition to cancel Skawa’s mark on the same grounds, leading Skawa to ask the Court to order dismissal of Smartling’s petition. Judge Burroughs denied Skawa’s motion, finding that while § 1115 gives the court the power to order the TTAB to cancel a mark or register a mark, it does not empower the court to order the TTAB to dismiss a cancellation proceeding. She further noted that Skawa can (and has) asserted res judicata before the TTAB, who can reach their own conclusion.
