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On what grounds are trademark oppositions usually raised?

Senior Trademark Attorney

Trademark applications are most frequently opposed because of a likelihood of confusion with a previously registered mark. But they can be opposed based on a number of factors, like descriptiveness, deceptiveness, or contrariness to public policy.

Other, less similar grounds include: the mark being identical to a well-known mark in a different class (dilution), the application having been filed in bad faith, the mark containing a protected designation of origin or geographical indication, and the applicant lacking entitlement to the mark. The available grounds vary by jurisdiction.

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