Less Common Objections to a Trade Mark Application

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Table of Contents

• Prohibited or Prescribed Signs
• Signs That Cannot Be Represented Graphically
• Deceptive or Confusing Trade Marks
• Key Takeaways
• Frequently Asked Questions

An objection to a trade mark application occurs when a trade mark examiner considers the trade mark to not meet the legislative requirements for registration. In this article, we explored the most common objections to trade mark applications. Occasionally, applications may face objections for less common reasons. Sometimes, you can easily remedy these objections, while other times, you may need to include certain endorsements on your application to meet registration requirements. Do not be disparaged if you have received a refusal on one of these bases. This article will help you understand why you may have received a refusal.

Prohibited or Prescribed Signs

There are six kinds of prohibited signs, words or symbols. If your trade mark contains, consists of, or closely resembles one of these signs, it may be rejected. 

IP Australia may refuse an application if it includes one of these prescribed signs, as it may: 

• mislead consumers into attributing a false association or sponsorship between your trade mark and your goods or services; or 
• deceive them into believing your goods are patented or subject to copyright protection. 

Signs That Cannot Be Represented Graphically

Trade mark applications must include accurate representations of your trade mark and how you will use it in practice. However, what if your trade mark is not a traditional graphic representation? For example, scents, sounds, colours, movements or gestures may all be capable of trade mark registration but perhaps may not be commonly described in written format. 

You may receive an objection from IP Australia if your trade mark application does not include a clear and concise description of your sign. It must clearly demonstrate each feature of the trade mark so IP Australia can properly examine it. For a sound trade mark, for example, you may need to supply musical notation of the sound. Depending on your type of trade mark, this is usually reflected on the trade marks register as:

• An endorsement on your application containing this clear description; and
• A pictorial representation of the trade mark. 

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Deceptive or Confusing Trade Marks

IP Australia must reject your application if your trade mark is likely to deceive or cause confusion when used concerning your goods or services. Suppose your trade mark leads consumers to believe it has a specific characteristic or feature that it does not. In that case, your application may meet an objection on this basis. 

This may be especially prevalent where you have applied in respect of (1) wine products or (2) plants. Specific legislation applies in these scenarios. In summary:

1. The Wine Australia Act 2013 (Cth) prohibits certain geographic terms and expressions that falsely indicate the origin or quality of your goods, such as:
   1. Australian Geographical Indications;
   2. European Geographical Indications; and
   3. Quality Wine Terms.
2. The Plant Breeders’ Rights Act 1994 (Cth) protects the names of plant varieties and their synonyms. If you file an application in class 31 regarding plants or plant material, IP Australia will consider whether your trade mark contains one of these protected terms.

Key Takeaways

Receiving an initial objection to a trade mark application is very common. There are many reasons why an examiner may take issue with your application, and it is easy to overlook some of the less common objections. A trade marks lawyer can help you work through some of these common pitfalls. We recommend that you obtain the help of a trade marks lawyer to help you file your application in the first place so that you minimise the chances of receiving an objection. 

If you have further questions, our experienced trade mark lawyers can assist with trade mark applications as part of our LegalVision membership. For a low monthly fee, you will have unlimited access to lawyers to answer your questions and draft and review your documents. Call us today on 1300 544 755 or visit our membership page.

Frequently Asked Questions