The UK IPO rejects 28% of trademark applications. Here are the 11 reasons they'll refuse yours, and how to fix each one before you apply and waste £170.
Reason 1: Generic Terms
"Fast Delivery," "Best Coffee." Describes what every business in that category does.
Generic Names Can't Be Trademarked
If you want legal protection and a name competitors can't copy, make it distinctive from day one. Generic = zero protection, ever.
Reason 2: Descriptive Without Distinctiveness
"London Plumbing," "Quick Taxi." Describes location or quality. Needs proof of secondary meaning.
Reason 3: Deceptive or Misleading
Name suggests false origin or quality. "Swiss Chocolate" made in Birmingham = rejected.
Reason 4: Offensive or Immoral
Profanity, sexual references, discriminatory terms. UK IPO has strict standards.
Reason 5: Bad Faith
Registering competitor names to block them. Registering famous brands in different classes to sell later.
Warning: Bad faith filings can result in£ financial penalties and permanent bans from UK IPO trademark system.
Reason 6: Protected Symbols
Royal coat of arms, Olympic rings, Red Cross. Protected by law regardless of context.
Fix Before Filing
Use Trademark Lens to check name distinctiveness before paying UK IPO fees.