Common grounds for refusal
A trademark office may turn down an application for several reasons. These are the ones that come up most often:
- Similarity to existing marks. If your mark looks, sounds, or means something close to a mark that is already registered, it can be refused. This is especially likely when both marks cover the same goods or services.
- Generic or descriptive wording. A name that simply describes a product, a service, or a geographic place can easily be mistaken for other brands by consumers, so offices tend to reject it.
- Deceptive or misleading marks. A mark that is confusing or misleading can be refused. Vulgar expressions are best avoided as well, even when they are widely used.
- Personal or family surnames. A mark made up of a person's own name or a family surname may also be turned down.