While this story on Zynga sending cease-and-desist letters to potential defendants who are using “-ville” at the end of their software trademarks is not new, there still are many trademarks ending in “-ville.”

Trademark application

Zynga has been known – like many other trademark owners – to file trademark opposition proceedings in the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.

As a trademark owner – or as a potential trademark owner – due diligence must be performed in order to understand potential plaintiffs.  The knowledge of similar trademarks that are in use helps the trademark owner decide if the mark is worth using in interstate commerce or registering – or even finding a new mark with the advice of counsel.