TRADEMARK RESOURCE

If You’ve Filed a Trademark, Scammers Already Know Your Name.

The moment your trademark application becomes public record, it’s fair game for scam mailers designed to look official. Here’s what to watch for.

What’s Real vs. What’s Not

Real

All official USPTO communication comes through the USPTO’s own online system or from your attorney. The USPTO does not call, email invoices, or mail letters demanding immediate payment for “trademark protection,” “monitoring,” or “publication” services.

Fake

  • Use official sounding names such as “United States Trademark Registration Office,” “Trademark Compliance Office,” or “Patent & Trademark Bureau.”

  • Reference your actual trademark serial number or mark.

  • Demand payment for registration completion, renewal, publication, or monitoring services.

  • Use an invoice style format that looks like a bill.

  • Come from a domain that is not .gov.

Quick Checklist Before You Pay Anything Trademark-Related

01

Does the sender’s email or web address end in .gov? If not, stop.

02

Did you initiate this, or did your attorney tell you this fee was coming? If not, be suspicious.

03

Is there pressure to act immediately or within 24 to 48 hours? Real USPTO deadlines are measured in months, not hours.

04

Does it ask you to click a link and enter payment information directly rather than referencing a filing you already know about?

If any of these raise a flag, don’t pay, don’t click, and don’t respond.

What To Do Instead

Forward it to your attorney before doing anything. Scam mail works because trademark deadlines can feel unfamiliar and urgent. Getting a second look can help you confirm whether something is legitimate before you act.

Not Sure If a Trademark Notice Is Legitimate?

A consultation can help you understand what you received and what your next step should be.