VIVENDI UNIVERSAL

What this record means

The record shows that “VIVENDI UNIVERSAL” is an abandoned application – the USPTO marked it dead after the applicant failed to respond to an Office action, with the abandonment dated Dec 30 2003, and no later maintenance events appear. The owner listed is Vivendi, a company organized in France, and the filing was based on an intent‑to‑use claim and a foreign registration under §44(e). The only goods covered are “Clothing, shoes (with the exception of orthopedic shoes), hats” in International Class 025, so a similar name used for apparel or related accessories would be the closest area of concern from this record. The record does not give Vivendi control over the wording in other product categories or industries. The prosecution history shows a series of examiner assignments, a final refusal mailed in April 2003, and the ultimate abandonment in December 2003, but there is no indication of any opposition, cancellation proceeding, or other enforcement activity. I'd treat this as a meaningful concern if you plan to brand clothing or similar items with a name that could be confused with “VIVENDI UNIVERSAL.”