If an objection cannot be overcome, or an opposition succeeds, the application is refused. Across the register this happens to roughly 2% of applications.
Refusal is often avoidable, many refused marks were filed without a clearance search, in the wrong classes, or described in a way that invited objection. There are also routes to appeal or to refile a better-prepared application.
What to do & be aware of
Refusal usually has a specific, stated reason, understand it before acting.
You may be able to appeal, amend, or refile more carefully.
A proper clearance search before filing prevents most refusals.
We can review a refusal and advise on the best next step.
Real cases at this stage
The UK trademark refusal cases that show why names, logos and shapes get rejected, from Oatly to the black cab, and how to get yours accepted first time.
Figures are derived from analysis of the public UK Intellectual Property Office trademark register (applications filed 2015 to 2023, a settled cohort of 1,340,875 marks). They describe the typical journey of a UK trademark application and are for general information, every application is different.