Examination of the Application

About four months after the application is filed, it is assigned to an examining attorney who reviews it and determines whether the mark should proceed to registration.

Common Grounds for Refusal of Registration

Following are the most common grounds for refusing registration:

  • The proposed mark consists of or comprises immoral, deceptive, or scandalous matter.

  • The proposed mark disparages or falsely suggests a connection with persons (living or dead), institutions, beliefs, or national symbols or brings them into contempt or disrepute.

  • The proposed mark consists of or comprises the flag or coat of arms of the United States or a state or foreign nation.

  • The proposed mark consists of or comprises a name, portrait, or ...

Get Protecting Your Company's Intellectual Property: A Practical Guide to Trademarks, Copyrights, Patents & Trade Secrets now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.