What is not allowed as a registered trade mark?

Trade mark applications will be refused if the trade mark describes your goods or services or any characteristics of them:

• Leather Handbags
• Japanese Plates
• Cheaper Flooring

Examiners will also refuse to register trade marks which are made up of descriptions customary in your line of business:

• Tastes Great Chocolate
• Built To Last Beds
• Taxis Direct

Trying to get around the distinctiveness or common phrase barrier by intentional misspelling does not work:

• Klever Klene
• Supa Food

Your trade mark application will also be turned down if it includes offensive words or images; is against the law in any way e.g. promoting illegal activities; or is deceptive – attempting to persuade the public that your goods and services have a quality which they do not.

• Videos
  • What can stop a trademark being registered?
  • Why register a trade mark?
  • What makes Trade Mark Direct's service better?
  • Should I register my logo?
  • Why did you start Trade Mark Direct?
  • How long does the process take?
  • What's included in your fees?
  • I'm a logo designer, what should I consider when designing a logo to be registered?
  • What if someone tells me to change name because I'm infringing their trade mark?
  • What are classes and how do they work?
• About trade marks
  • What is a trade mark?
  • What are trade mark classes?
  • Do I need a trade mark?
  • Am I covered because I own my domain name?
  • Am I covered because my business is registered at Companies House?
  • What is allowed as a registered trade mark?
  • What is not allowed as a registered trade mark?
  • Examples of acceptable and unacceptable trade marks
  • Can an existing word be registered as a trade mark?
  • What are aural, visual and conceptual similarities?
  • Can two businesses own the same trade mark?
  • Can I use another company’s registered trade mark?
• Trade mark applications and registration
  • How can I find out if my trade mark can be registered?
  • How long does the trade mark registration process take?
  • If my application passes your checks, does that mean registration is guaranteed?
  • Should I register in the UK or across the EU?
  • How does the UK registration process work?
  • How does the EU (CTM) registration process work?
  • How do I apply for an international trade mark?
  • How do I register a logo as a trade mark?
  • Is it better to register a logo or just a text trade mark?
  • Can I register a trade mark without having launched a business?
  • What happens if there are objections from the registries?
  • What happens if my trade mark application is opposed?
• Changes and renewals of your registered trade marks
  • Can I amend my registered trade mark?
  • Can I cancel my registered trade mark?
  • Can I sell my registered trade mark?
  • How long before I have to renew my registered trade mark?
  • I missed my trade mark’s renewal deadline – what can I do?
• Fees and payments
  • How much does it cost to register a trade mark?
  • When does Trade Mark Direct take payment for a trade mark application?
  • What is the Trade Mark Direct money back guarantee?
  • Does Trade Mark Direct do a reduced rate on multiple trade mark applications?
  • How does Trade Mark Direct keep my payment details secure?
  • Does Trade Mark Direct charge VAT?
• About our service
  • How long has Trade Mark Direct been in business?
  • Who checks the trade mark applications at Trade Mark Direct?
• How does our trade mark registration process work?