Interestingly, the presumption appears to be positive in the statue absent the express carve out--which is essentially for "immorality" or "provocation". U.S.

Interestingly, the presumption appears to be positive in the statue absent the express carve out--which is essentially for "immorality" or "provocation". U.S. Code › Title 15 › Chapter 22 › Subchapter I › § 1052 15 U.S. Code § 1052 - Trademarks registrable on principal register; concurrent registration No trademark by which the goods of the applicant may be distinguished from the goods of others shall be refused registration on the principal register on account of its nature unless it— (a) Consists of or comprises immoral, deceptive, or scandalous matter; or matter which may disparage or falsely suggest a connection with persons, living or dead, institutions, beliefs, or national symbols, or bring them into contempt, or disrepute;... http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/1052* http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/1052*