Deceptive Marks

Any trademark that is likely to confuse the people because of something inherent in the mark itself or its use, like nature, quality, or geographical origin of the goods and services.

An objection as to deceptive trademark can be overcome by filing Form TM-16.

Lacks Distinctive Character

Trademarks that are not capable of differentiating between one person’s goods and services from those of another are devoid of any distinctiveness and thus can get objection under absolute grounds for refusal of trademarks.

Existence of a similar trademark

If there are similar or same trademarks of different trademark owners on records regarding the same or similar description of goods or services, then an objection can be raised.

False or vague specification of goods

Suppose the specification of goods or services happens to be too vague or encompasses a large variety of goods or services. In that case, an objection can be raised as follows by the trademark registrar:

“The specification of goods/services mentioned in respect of class xx is very vague and wide. You should provide exact items in respect of which the trademark is sought to be registered by filing a request on form TM-16”.

Incorrect address on the trademark application

In case the trademark applicant has not mentioned the principal place of business correctly, or he has not mentioned the address for service in India. An objection can be raised as under:

“The Principal Place of business of the applicant should be brought on record by filing a request on form TM-16” or “The applicant’s address for service in India should be brought on record by filing a request on form TM-16, since the applicant has no principal place of business in India.”

Incorrect name of the applicant

The applicant must enter the name in the application correctly. In case of incorrect name on the trademark application, the examiner would object as follows:

“The application appears to have been filed in the name of a partnership firm, names of all Partners of the firm should be brought on record by filing a request form TM-16.”

Incorrect trademark form

If the trademark application is not made on a proper form, an objection will be raised by the examiner as follows:

“The application is made on Form TM-1, for certification mark in respect of goods or services falling in a class, the form of the application should be corrected as TM-4 by filing a request on form TM-16.”