Whether you are registering your business patent for the first time or more frequently, Trademark Fraud happens on a daily basis. It is very important to be vigilant and aware of private companies pretending to be official authorities trying to take money for your intellectual property.

Trademark Fraud: Who is Targeted and How?

Any individual or business can be the target as often you will receive an invoice of payment fee shortly after filling up your application. The applicants being targeted are so because your trademark or patent is published shortly after you applied for it, along with your information which becomes publicly accessible. This results in registration services using that information and trying to claim a fee. Don’t let it confuse and trick you into paying them, even though they might seem to be official government agencies.

Steps You Should Take to Protect Yourself

Read the small print. If you take a closer look into the small print, you might find out that actually isn’t an invoice but an offer. For example ‘’ publication is optional and this is strictly an offer. This is not a bill.’’

Visit government IP offices sites. You will find the list of warnings, pretence agencies and samples of fake invoices.

Talk to your lawyer. If you do not recognize the company from which you received the invoice, or you have never registered with them before, approach your legal counsel and investigate the alleged fee.

Have your accounting department on the lookout. If applying often your accounting staff should be aware of non valid fee requests, and alert you if such fees are requested.

Always be wary of companies and agencies trying to approach you for payment, have the knowledge of how your government regulations work as this will help avoid Trademark Fraud and keep your intellectual property and your money safe and secure.

For more information regarding Trademark Fraud, please contact our professional support staff online at http://tristaritsupport.co.uk/contact-us/.