How are the requirements of Availability and Distinctive Character being examined?

Most European trademark offices examine a trademark application only on mere formal grounds (correct classification, name and address of the applicant,…) and on the trademark's inherent distinctive character. Upon completion of the examination and if no such (formal or absolute) grounds of refusal have been identified, the application is published for opposition purposes. If no opposition is filed within the prescribed opposition period, or if a possible opposition is rejected or withdrawn, the trademark application shall be allowed for registration and the registration certificate will be issued.