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title: "When is a trademark not registrable? | Trademarks Online Australia | Trademarks Online"
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![Represent the banner of the website](https://www.trademarksonline.com.au/_ipx/q_90&s_1101x288/images/blank-banner-md-logo-2x.png)23 June 2020·Trademarks Online ## When is a trademark not registrable? --- We are often asked the question: “When **can’t** I register my trademark?” So we thought we’d explain some examples of trademarks that are not usually registrable. When a trademark application is submitted with the Trademark Office, it has to be evaluated by a trademark examiner, who will assess it for registrability. If your proposed trademarkmark doesn’t match the legal requirements for registration, you’ll get a notice of a [trademark objection](https://www.trademarksonline.com.au/blog/trademark-objections). (Usually, you can overcome these objections, but it’s advisable to avoid this by doing your homework at the start so that you don’t submit a trademark that is not registrable.) ## It’s unlikely you will be able to register your trademark if: ## 1. It resembles an existing well known mark Your trademark is very similar or identical to a well known trademark (and you’re capitalising on their reputation). For example, EASYJET COURIER for courier services vs EASYJET (an existing airline) ## 2. There’s an existing conflicting mark on the register You will receive a trademark objection if there’s already an identical or confusingly similar trademark already on the register that covers the same or similar goods or services to yours. For example, EEZEE-GO for courier services vs EASYGO for transport services ## 3. Your mark is non-distinctive Your trademark is commonly used in your industry and should be available for others to use. For example, DELIVERIES NOW for courier services ## 4. Your mark is descriptive Your trademark describes the goods or services you provide. For example, THE COURIER COMPANY for courier services ## 5. Your mark describes characteristics or quality of your goods or services For example, QUICK COURIERS for courier services ## 6. Your mark is laudatory or complimentary Your trademark contains superlative words (such as SUPER, PRIME). For example, SUPREME COURIERS ## 7. Your mark is confusing or deceptive Your trademark is likely to confuse or deceive the public. For example, DELIVERY DRONES for delivery services, when you deliver by van ## 8. Your mark is scandalous or offensive Your trademark is likely to offend the public. For example, FLYING F**K DELIVERIES --- [APPLY NOW](https://applynow.trademarksonline.com.au/au/application)