Registered trademark scam - Be Warned

[HFE Signs]

Anyone who applies for a registered trademark goes onto a database, scammers can get access to this information and during the process of your application they will draft an official looking document claiming they are processing your application. They will state the application is so far successful however additional charges are now due. It really is convincing, please be aware its likely you’ll receive several of them during your application stages, all different and very official looking.

 

[easidoo]

Thanks @HFE Signs for this helpful info. Is this happening in the UK IPO database? Have they been made aware of this? Where do you think the scammers are getting the data from?

 

[HFE Signs]

Thanks @HFE Signs for this helpful info. Is this happening in the UK IPO database? Have they been made aware of this? Where do you think the scammers are getting the data from?

I'm not sure where the data is being accessed from, our application is complete now and they have stopped. We did use a specialist agent and they are reporting this to the powers that be, I just wanted everyone else to be aware of this.

 

[RedOnion]

Had a similar problem when I was getting trademarks for a company four years ago. Letters we recived were from somewhere in Europe (can't remember where) and they did look a bit official - but we just binned them. Soon stopped after trademarks were given/complete.

 

[Peanut Butter Man]

I have just gained my trademark and got the same rubbish offering me the EU rights to my name... Just binned them.. I'd love to knwo how they get you details when I only dealt online with the IPO office

 

[easidoo]

@Peanut Butter Man that's very interesting. The UK IPO office has to publish the trademark info publicly for any defendants to come forward. I just wonder if there is some kind of data scrapping or even, like in the USPTO, there's a API (application protocol interface) that gives access to third parties for all trademark and registrant personal details.

Maybe someone else could share their view on this?

 

[Peanut Butter Man]

Yes the information was published but I was getting this rubbish before this.. Im not sure what information was given in the publication.

 

[TimFallon]

Thanks for the shoutout on this!

 

[Paul Brooke]

One of the benefits of being on here.... nice heads up guys

 

[Trademarkroom]

Hi, this type of scam mail is prolific- they are scoundrels. If you have applied using an agent/OHIM official representative (like the TMR) then all official communication goes through them. Your address is however now on a public database- hence the scam mail you receive. Always best to check but as a general rule- if you file through OHIM or UKIPO then it's only these offices who will write to you. More than happy to look at any letters for UKBF followers [email protected]

 

[HFE Signs]

Another scam that's been going around again is the Expo Guide, nothing to do with Trade Marking but they send you a document all looking like a free database listing and in the small print it says Order..! You can find out more here.. http://www.energygrid.com/watchdog/2008/11-expoguide.html