Back to Trademark registration process

I got a very strange letter asking for additional payments for my trademark application. Is it a scam?

Senior Trademark Attorney

Almost certainly yes. There is a well-documented pattern of fraudulent organizations targeting trademark applicants. Since trademark registers are publicly accessible, fraudsters search them for recently filed applications and send official-looking invoices or requests for payment to the applicant's contact details on the public record.

These letters typically purport to be from the IP office or from an official publication or database service, and request payment for registration, renewal, or listing in an unofficial database. They have no legal standing and no connection to the official IP office.

If you receive correspondence that seems unusual, verify it by contacting the official IP office directly using contact details from their official website; not from the letter itself. Do not respond to the suspicious letter or make any payment without that verification.

Related questions

Stories of our clients: ForZet, architecture and design studio

All architects have their own unique style. Successful projects speak for the architect and provide the most effective marketing strategy. In the field of architecture, it is the name of the architect which communicates quality and provides the basis for the brand’s success. Learn more about the story of ForZet, an architecture and design studio that has allowed Trama to help their brand protection efforts.

Trademark Registration: DIY vs Professional Service

Filing for trademark registration is something anybody can do with a single online application. Many business owners, however, decide to wait with trademark registration because the process can appear quite complicated at first sight. Applying without a legal representative can be a difficult and time-consuming process. Mistakes and errors are easy to make and can lead to weak trademark protection or the rejection of your trademark registration altogether.

12 good reasons for food & drink retailers to register a trademark

There is a myriad of reasons why trademark registration is of a crucial importance for the creators of gastronomic experiences. This article presents a concise summary of 12 key reasons why every food & drink retailer should think about registering for a trademark.