
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 2, 2001]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 2, 2001 and January 28, 2002]
[CITE: 15USC1069]

 
                      TITLE 15--COMMERCE AND TRADE
 
                         CHAPTER 22--TRADEMARKS
 
                  SUBCHAPTER I--THE PRINCIPAL REGISTER
 
Sec. 1069. Application of equitable principles in inter partes 
        proceedings
        
    In all inter partes proceedings equitable principles of laches, 
estoppel, and acquiescence, where applicable may be considered and 
applied.

(July 5, 1946, ch. 540, title I, Sec. 19, 60 Stat. 434; Pub. L. 93-596, 
Sec. 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949; Pub. L. 100-667, title I, Sec. 119, 
Nov. 16, 1988, 102 Stat. 3941.)


                               Amendments

    1988--Pub. L. 100-667 struck out at end ``The provisions of this 
section shall also govern proceedings heretofore begun in the Patent and 
Trademark Office and not finally determined.''
    1975--Pub. L. 93-596 substituted ``Patent and Trademark Office'' for 
``Patent Office''.


                    Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

    Amendment by Pub. L. 100-667 effective one year after Nov. 16, 1988, 
see section 136 of Pub. L. 100-667, set out as a note under section 1051 
of this title.


                    Effective Date of 1975 Amendment

    Amendment by Pub. L. 93-596 effective Jan. 2, 1975, see section 4 of 
Pub. L. 93-596, set out as a note under section 1111 of this title.


                  Repeal and Effect on Existing Rights

    Repeal of inconsistent provisions, effect of this chapter on pending 
proceedings and existing registrations and rights under prior acts, see 
notes set out under section 1051 of this title.

                          Transfer of Functions

    For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies 
of Department of Commerce, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of 
Commerce, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 5 of 1950, 
Secs. 1, 2, eff. May 24, 1950, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in 
the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
