We are again seeing an increase in scammers attempting to trick trademark owners by pretending to be the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office or other entities with official-sounding names to obtain money or personal information. We previously wrote about these types of scams in our Client Alerts dated June 16, 2023 (see below) and December 28, 2023.
Unfortunately, scam communications are once again increasing. In addition to phone calls from scammers pretending to be the USPTO or other trademark agencies, scammers are now also sending text messages.
As a reminder, the USPTO should not contact you directly. All communications from the USPTO regarding your trademark application or registration will be sent to your Michael Best Brand Protection attorney, who will then provide it to you. If you receive any calls, texts, or other suspicious communications from anyone purporting to be associated with the USPTO or any other trademark agency, please let us know. We are happy to review the communications and confirm the status of your trademark applications and registrations.
Original Intellectual Property Alert – Scam Targeting Trademark and Patent Owners
Issued June 16, 2023
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued an alert regarding a new scam targeting trademark and patent owners. Scammers have started calling trademark and patent owners falsely asserting they work for the USPTO. Some use spoofed phone numbers to appear as though the calls originate from the USPTO. The scammers ask for personal information or payment information, asserting this information is needed by the USPTO, and then use the information to steal from their victims.
The USPTO should not be calling you directly. If you are represented by Michael Best, the USPTO will communicate with us on any matter regarding your trademarks and patents. Similarly, any information about payments will come to you from Michael Best, not the USPTO. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be with the USPTO, do not provide them with any personal or payment information and please alert us to the call.
If you ever have any question as to whether a communication is legitimate, please do not hesitate to contact your Michael Best attorney.
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Preview Attorney's BiographyEmily focuses her practice in the areas of trademark and copyright law. She counsels clients on prosecution, portfolio management, clearance, enforcement, and dispute resolution, helping businesses protect and defend their valuable brand assets.