What are the absolute grounds for refusal of registration of trade mark under the Trade Marks Act, 1999.

Section 9 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999 deals with absolute grounds for refusal of registration. According to Section 9(1) the trade marks shall not be registered— which are devoid of any distinctive character, that is to say, not capable of distinguishing the goods or services of one person from those of another person; which consist exclusively of marks or indications which may serve in trade to designate the kind, quality, quantity, intended purpose, values, geographical origin or the time of production of the goods or rendering of the service or other characteristics of the goods or service; which consist exclusively of marks or indications which have become customary in the current language or in the bona fide and established practices of the trade, Section 9(2) provides that a mark shall not be registered as a trade mark if— it is of such nature as to deceive the public or cause confusion; it contains or comprises of any matter likely to hurt the religious susceptibilities of any class or section of the citizens of India; it comprises or contains scandalous or obscene matter; its use is prohibited under the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950. As per Section 9(3) a mark shall not be registered as a trade mark if it consists exclusively of— the shape of goods which results from the nature of the goods themselves; or the shape of goods which is necessary to obtain a technical result; or the shape which gives substantial value to the goods.