After a trademark application is submitted, the Trademark Examiner at the IP India Registry reviews it. If any issue is found—such as similarity with an existing mark, lack of distinctiveness, incorrect classification, or legal grounds—the examiner issues an Objection Notice (TM-O) under Section 9 or Section 11 of the Trademarks Act.
An objection is not a rejection. It is an opportunity to present legal reasoning and evidence to convince the registrar to accept and publish your mark.
✅ Common Reasons for Objection
Reason
Explanation
Lack of distinctiveness
The mark is too generic or descriptive
Similarity with existing mark
Phonetically or visually similar to a registered/pending TM
Incorrect classification
Wrong class selected during application
Trademark already in use
Applicant does not have “proposed to use” intent proof
Offensive or prohibited terms
Words violate Emblem Act or are culturally sensitive
