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Common Trade Mark Refusal Reasons and How to Avoid Them
Common Trade Mark Refusal Reasons and How to Avoid Them
13 Aug 2025
Why Do Trade Mark Applications Get Refused?
Trade mark refusals can delay or prevent you from protecting your brand, which can be costly and frustrating. Knowing the common reasons why applications get refused helps you prepare a stronger, more successful application.
Top Reasons for Trade Mark Refusals in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK
1. Lack of Distinctiveness
If your trade mark is too generic, descriptive, or similar to common terms, it may be refused because it doesn’t clearly distinguish your goods or services from others.
2. Conflicts with Existing Trade Marks
If your trade mark is identical or confusingly similar to an already registered or pending trade mark, your application can be refused to avoid confusion.
3. Failure to Properly Specify Goods and Services
Incorrect or overly broad descriptions of your goods or services can result in refusal. Proper classification and clear specification are essential.
What Happens If Your Application Is Refused?
You’ll receive an examination report outlining the reasons for refusal. You usually have time to respond with arguments or amendments to address the objections.
Get It Right with Our Integrated Goods and Services List
Our online trade mark application platform includes integration with the official goods and services lists from IP Australia and the Nice Classification system. This makes selecting the correct classifications and descriptions straightforward and accurate—helping reduce the risk of refusals due to specification issues.
Start your application with plummark. today and confidently protect your brand with a clear, official goods and services selection.
Why Do Trade Mark Applications Get Refused?
Trade mark refusals can delay or prevent you from protecting your brand, which can be costly and frustrating. Knowing the common reasons why applications get refused helps you prepare a stronger, more successful application.
Top Reasons for Trade Mark Refusals in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK
1. Lack of Distinctiveness
If your trade mark is too generic, descriptive, or similar to common terms, it may be refused because it doesn’t clearly distinguish your goods or services from others.
2. Conflicts with Existing Trade Marks
If your trade mark is identical or confusingly similar to an already registered or pending trade mark, your application can be refused to avoid confusion.
3. Failure to Properly Specify Goods and Services
Incorrect or overly broad descriptions of your goods or services can result in refusal. Proper classification and clear specification are essential.
What Happens If Your Application Is Refused?
You’ll receive an examination report outlining the reasons for refusal. You usually have time to respond with arguments or amendments to address the objections.
Get It Right with Our Integrated Goods and Services List
Our online trade mark application platform includes integration with the official goods and services lists from IP Australia and the Nice Classification system. This makes selecting the correct classifications and descriptions straightforward and accurate—helping reduce the risk of refusals due to specification issues.
Start your application with plummark. today and confidently protect your brand with a clear, official goods and services selection.