1928 Jewelry Burbank, CA (1968 - Present)

1928 Jewelry History

The history of 1928 Jewelry began in Los Angeles, California during 1968. Started by Mr. Mel Bernie, at the age of 28 years old in his garage. The company focuses on creating replicas of fine vintage and antique styles. While supplying the chic fashionista niche with classic jewelry which has elements to fit modern trends.

Incorporating on November 17th, 1969 under the name “Mel Bernie and Company Inc.” in the state of California.1 Later choosing the trade name 1928. Yet the company would wait until June of 1977 to register the trademark.2 Since then Mel Bernie has registered and used several trademarks, with a few shown in the picture to the left.

In July of 1983, Mel Bernie also incorporated as a foreign business corporation in the state of New York.3 Yet by 1988 the company would dissolve this New York corporation.

Today 1928 Jewelry is the largest privately owned US jewelry manufacturer still in existence.

1928 Jewelry Trademarks

1928 JewelryWhile the simple 1928 trademark in the picture to the right became the company’s first mark in 1971, it would not be registered until 1977.

This mark would become Mel Bernie and Company’s most recognized symbols for the next 27 years. Yet in 1998 the registration expired as other trademarks took its place.

The trademark “1928 Jewelry Company” shown in Photo: 1A usage also began in 1975. Although the registration wasn’t officially until 1981. In March of 2002, the company lost this mark due to some clerical error. Only to reapply for the trademark in April of the same year. Renewing “1928 Jewelry Company” in February of 2003.4, 5

By the end of the 1980’s Mel Bernie and Company began to diversify, first by adding a line of men’s jewelry which carried the trademark seen in Photo:1G. This mark was first used in commerce during November of 1989 and became registered July of 1990.6 While the mark on display in Photo: 1D was given to the company’s line of watches in 1991 and became registered in May of 1995.7

1928 JewelryBoth of these latter marks are now dead. The “1928 for Men” mark canceled in 1997 and the “1928 Timepieces” mark dying in 2002. Other trademarks to come and go during the 90’s are “The Collector’s Boutique”, “Aurora”, “Worldly Treasures by 1928”, “Collect a Bear by 1928”, and “Singles by 1928”.

 

 

One trademark first used in 1991 which is still in use is the “Circa 1900” mark pictured to the left. Although this mark has at least four variations it was first placed in service as early as October of 1991. With the mark being re-registered under each variation.8 The remaining marks displayed above are not yet vintage, being registered after the turn of the 21st century.

The EPA Investigation of 1928 Jewelry

In the early 1990’s the growing jewelry manufacturer attracted the attention of the Environmental Protection Agency. Which led to the EPA listing Mel Bernie and Company as one of ninety-six companies which reportingly discharged toxic waste into the water system between 1990 and 1994. Stating the company discharged 250 pounds of copper compounds.9 Also, the 1995 National Biennial RCRA Hazardous Waste Report names the company as a large quantity generator.10

In 2000 the Department accused Mel Bernie and Company of illegally discharging cyanide and other toxic byproducts into water runoff during their manufacturing of jewelry. To settle the case the two entities entered into a consent decree. Where Mel Bernie and Company agreed to comply with state regulations in future, initiate inspection procedures, as well as train employees in toxic waste handling. Without admitting any guilt.11

Later, during a 2001 inspection, the EPA cited the Jewelry manufacturer for eight violations including a leaking hazardous waste tank and improperly labeled toxic waste containers.12 in 2005 Mel Bernie and Company once again agreeing to train employees in toxic waste handling while paying a $25,000 fine.13 The 1928 Jewelry company has been free of violations since 2001.

References for 1928 Jewelry History

  1.     California Secretary of State Business Search: # C0585570
  2.     USPTO TESS search Serial # 73067584, Registration # 1068736
  3.     NYS Department of State DOS # 855339
  4.     1928 Jewelry Company USPTO TESS search Serial # 73194458, Registration # 1148141
  5.     Renew 1928 Jewelry Company USPTO TESS search Serial # 74339735, Registration # 1788084
  6.     1928 for Men USPTO TESS search Serial # 74015387, Registration # 1618670
  7.     1928 Timepieces USPTO TESS search Serial # 74432092, Registration # 1892069
  8.     Circa 1900 USPTO TESS search  Serial # 74015451, Abandmont, Serial # 74247588, Registration # 1849227, Serial # 76363256, Registration      # 3566257, and Serial # 87131318, Registration # 5170395
  9.    EPA list of companies discharging toxic waste 1990 – 1994 : Archive Wayback machine
  10.    EPA list of Large Scale Toxic Waste Generators : Archive Wayback machine
  11.    2000 consent decree : Archive Wayback machine
  12.    2001 EPA inspection findings : Archive Wayback machine
  13.    EPA violation settlement with Mel Bernie and Company
  • 1928 Jewelry Company – Photo : 1-A   USPTO TESS search Serial # 73194458, Registration # 1148141
  • Symbols of Faith – Photo : 1-B  USPTO TESS search Serial # 86886026, Registration # 5000445
  • Signature 1928 – Photo : 1-C  USPTO TESS search Serial # 85720383, Registration # 4324362
  • 1928 Timepieces – Photo : 1-D  USPTO TESS search Serial # 74432092, Registration # 1892069
  • 1928 2028 – Photo : 1-E  USPTO TESS search Serial # 78339082, Registration # 2917358
  • Sparkle 1928 Photo : 1-F  USPTO TESS search Serial # 78915490, Registration # 3233323
  • 1928 for Men – Photo : 1-G USPTO TESS search Serial # 74015387, Registration # 1618670
  • Circa 1900 – Photo : 2-A USPTO TESS search Serial #  87131318, Registration # 5170395

Tweet
Share
Pin
0 Shares