How to spot and avoid Trademark Scams
We’ve recently seen a rise in the number of trademark scams and unsolicited approaches targeting business owners, including some of our valued customers. Here’s some important information to help you spot and avoid becoming entangled in these scams.
What is a Trademark Scam?
Have you received an unsolicited email, letter or phone call, claiming your trademark:
is expiring;
needs to be renewed; or
is about to be registered by someone else?
The correspondent may make it sound like an issue you need to deal with ASAP or even send you an invoice for urgent payment. Beware of these kinds of scare tactics!
The correspondent may offer to handle the trademark registration process for you - often for an exorbitant fee.
They may use names, logos and branding that mimic real government agencies or reputable trademark service providers. They may even spoof email addresses to appear to be a trusted source.
Take care, especially if you don’t know the correspondent – these are often ploys to get you to unnecessarily part with your money, or even worse, obtain your personal and financial details for fraudulent purposes.
Tips to Avoid Trademark Scams:
Be wary of unsolicited communications about your trademark from someone you don’t know, especially if they are requesting urgent action or payment.
Check the sender’s email address and website URL carefully, as scammers often use names very similar to official government offices.
If it feels off, don’t respond. Instead, get it checked by someone you trust – we're happy to sense-check any letters or emails you receive.
Never provide personal or financial information in response to a suspicious communication.
Known providers of misleading trademark comms
Examples of known organisations to watch out for include:
AU Patent Registry Hub - patentregistryhub.com
Register Your TM - registeryourtm.com
World Organisation for Trademarks - www.tmedition.com
Patent & Trademark Organisation - www.patenttrademarkagency.com.au
TM Registry Hub
For more information on known scams, refer to IP Australia’s website.
We’re Here to Help Protect Your Brand!
You may be wondering, but are they right - should I protect my brand if I haven’t registered it as a trademark? The answer is yes! But make sure you use a reputable trademark service provider who won’t overcharge you for the privilege.
At Trademarks Online, we’re committed to helping businesses like yours protect your valuable brands. If you receive a suspicious trademark communication, just forward it to us and we’ll be happy to verify whether it’s legitimate, at no cost.
If you’re ready to submit your trademark application, apply now.
