Protecting Your Trademark: Spotting and Stopping Common Trademark Scams

In today’s digital age, your trademark is more than just a symbol—it’s the cornerstone of your company’s goodwill and your brand’s identity. Recently, trademark owners are facing an increase in common trademark scams which have increased in the use of sophisticated technology to scam trademark owners. The information below is designed to arm brand owners with the knowledge to protect their brand and know when to seek professional help. At theIPCenter, we understand the value of your intellectual property and the threats you face and are here to assist you.

The Growing Threat of Trademark Scams

Recent years have witnessed an unprecedented surge in trademark-related fraud. The U.S. Trademark Office (USPTO) continues to warn about brand owners about teh increasing frequency and complexity of these common trademark scams. As your trusted trademark attorney, we’re committed to keeping you informed and protected.

5 Common Trademark Scams to Watch Out For

1. Fraudulent USPTO Correspondence

One of the more recent common trademark scams involves scammers masquerading as governmental official associated with the USPTO, sending official-looking emails or letters demanding fees or threatening penalties.  This is one of the biggest reasons why you should involve an attorney in the trademark process. Trademark officials do not contact brand owners requesting the payment of any fees over the phone or threatening penalties for routine trademark applications or registrations.
Red Flags:

• Emails not from a “@uspto.gov” address
• Pressure to make immediate payments
• Requests for personal financial information

2. Cybersquatting Alerts

Using someone elses trademark or business name as part of a domain name is typically referred to as cybersquatting.  Recently, brand owners have been receiving notices alerting them that someone is trying to register their trademark or domain name. Often these scams typically involve false warnings about registration in a foreign countries.

Red Flags:

• Unsolicited alerts about domain name registration or foreign trademark
• Pressure to take immediate action to “protect” your mark

3. Impersonation Calls

Scammers have recently started calling trademark owners and falsely claiming to be an employee with the USPTO.  Sophisticated scammers use “spoofing” technology to make calls appear to come from legitimate USPTO numbers when in fact they are not.  The USPTO will typically only contact your attorney of record, if you have one and will never ask for payment or personal information over the phone.

Red Flags:

• Requests for payment or personal information over the phone
• Aggressive or pressuring tactics

4. Low Cost or Fake Registration Services

Be wary of “low cost” registration services which may result in companies losing money and sometimes having their identities stolen with a “low cost” logo design or trademark publication services in a private database. Some companies behind these sites often either offer unnecessary services for exorbitant and inflated fees or offer fake services to get personal information, like email addresses and phone numbers. They then call, email, or send letters to pressure trademark owners into additional services. This is one way scammers draw people into scams.

Red Flags:

• Unsolicited offers of flat fee or low cost logo design or trademark services
• Accompanied by offers for trademark monitoring or registration services
• Promises of “exclusive” databases or services

5. Fraudulent Cease and Desist Notices

Another recent scam involves receipt of a notice on a law firm letterhead claiming that you’ve infringed someone’s trademark and an settlment invoice demanding immediate payment or else you will be sued.  Often these letters come from individuals claiming to be an attorney at an unfamiliar law firm who represents the real trademark owner. These demands come with quick time contraints where they attempt to get you to pay their invoices without involving your attorney.

Red Flags:

• Pressure to make quick payments to avoid legal action
• Lack of verifiable attorney or law firm information

How Our Experienced Attorneys Can Help

At the IPCenter, we believe in Advancing the Power of Imagination and empowering our clients with knowledge while providing expert guidance. If you are facing one of the 5 most common trademark scams, here’s how our experienced trademark attorneys can assist you:

1. Verification Services: We can quickly authenticate any trademark-related communication you receive, ensuring you respond only to legitimate notices.
2. Strategic Counsel: Our attorneys provide tailored advice on how to handle both legitimate and fraudulent trademark matters, protecting your interests at every turn.
3. Direct USPTO Liaison: We maintain direct channels of communication with the USPTO, allowing us to verify information and resolve issues efficiently on your behalf.
4. Comprehensive Trademark Monitoring: Our firm offers professional monitoring services to detect potential infringements and unauthorized use of your mark, providing real protection beyond what scammers falsely promise.
5. Legal Representation: In cases of actual infringement or legal disputes, our experienced litigators are prepared to defend your rights vigorously.
6. Educational Resources: We provide ongoing education to our clients about emerging scams and best practices for trademark protection.

When to Contact Our Firm

We strongly encourage you to contact our experienced trademark attorneys if:

• You receive any suspicious trademark-related communication
• You’re unsure about the legitimacy of a trademark notice or offer
• You need assistance with trademark registration, renewal, or monitoring
• You suspect your trademark rights have been infringed upon
• You want to proactively protect your trademarks or other intellectual property assets

Don’t let scammers or uncertainty put your valuable trademark at risk. Our team is here to provide the expert guidance and robust legal protection your brand deserves.

Staying Vigilant: Best Practices for Trademark Owners

While our firm is always here to support you, implementing these best practices can help safeguard your trademark:

1. Using an attorney or the trademark office, regularly monitor your trademark status
2. Keep your contact information current with our firm
3. Share this information or schedule a meeting where we can educate your team about common trademark scams
4. Establish clear protocols for handling trademark-related communications
5. Consider engaging us to provide trademark monitoring services

Conclusion: Your Trusted Partner in Trademark Protection

In the complex world of intellectual property, having a knowledgeable and experienced legal team on your side is invaluable. At Intellectual Property Center, we’re committed to protecting your trademark rights and helping you navigate the challenges of brand ownership in the digital age.

Don’t let scammers or uncertainty compromise the brand you’ve worked so hard to build. Contact our experienced trademark attorneys today for a consultation. Let us put our expertise to work for you, ensuring your trademark remains secure and your brand continues to thrive.Remember, when it comes to your trademark, vigilance and professional guidance are your best defenses. Reach out to one of our experienced trademark attorneys today—we’re here to safeguard your intellectual property and support your business’s continued success.