They look like knots to me

That was my initial thought. But it’s so distracting. I love the stain and finish on the table top, but these random dots/spots are distracting and all I see now. I’ve seen this table top in different stores and none have these spots.

Are the brown spots all in one board? They look like knots.

Three different boards

P

" small brown spots that resemble drips from a brown ink pen. They don’t appear to be knots "

100% they are knots. At least you know the table is actually oak. The display or picture I am sure did not show knots but it is a natural product and knots are natural and most often do not "blend in".

Those are knots. I guess you could check with the manufacturer to see if it was advertised as being clear wood free of knots. In no way is this distracting to me. They do not look like ink at all.

I agree with Hallett but were I building tables for public I wouldn't have used those boards. IMO material with natural defects should be set aside until there's enough for a one off piece of furniture.

Knots that absorbed the stain more than the rest of the grain.

If you are unhappy, you should be talking to the seller.

Exactly! I’ll be requesting a replacement. Hopefully the store will be cooperative—knots or natural variations are one thing, and I’d be fine with that on a chair, on the tabletop, where it’s so visible, it’s just not acceptable.

Thank you, all, for your comments and thoughts.

Tell the store to give you what you want or you will send some ugly Houzzers to peep in in their windows.