In the world of intellectual property, companies that own trademarks and trade names are constantly exposed to risks and fraud. One of the most common risks is the sending of fraudulent payment requests. These practices can also be difficult to identify, as scammers imitate official communications from entities such as the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM) or the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).
The Two Most Common Forms of Fraud Involving Trademarks and Trade Names
1. Fraudulent invoices
This is one of the most commonly reported scams by trademark owners.Scammers send letters containing fraudulent invoices while posing as official agencies, such as the OEPM or the EUIPO. These communications typically include:
- Counterfeit letterheads.
- Cloned official seals.
- Signatures that imitate those of the officials at these organizations.
These invoices demand payment of administrative fees for the renewal, registration, or maintenance of a trademark. Often, the payment deadlines are very short, putting pressure on the recipient.
Remember: Whenever you work with an intellectual property firm, government agencies will never send invoices directly to you. It will always be your trademark agent who requests payment of the fees.
Example of a fraudulent invoice requesting payment of trademark registration fees
2. Identity theft involving payment requests
Some scammers have developed more elaborate tactics to deceive trademark owners. One of the most common involves sending fraudulent emails while posing as official agencies such as the EUIPO or the OEPM. These emails falsely inform recipients that their registration process has been successfully completed and then request payment of fees to finalize the process.
These communications typically include:
- Details of the trademark in question that the company is in the process of registering (including the logo)
- Sender with an email address similar to that of official agencies
- Signatures that imitate those of the officials at these organizations.
- Transfer Details
Remember: Always verify the sender of emails. Whenever you work with an intellectual property firm, official agencies will never send you emails. It will always be your trademark agent who sends you the relevant communications and issues payment requests.
Example of a fraudulent email requesting payment of trademark registration fees
How can you protect yourself against these scams?
- Be wary of unexpected communications
If you receive a message or letter from a purported official entity requesting payment, always verify its authenticity. You can do so by contacting the relevant office directly or consulting with your trademark agent. - Check official sources:
Both the OEPM and the EUIPO have sections on their websites dedicated to warning about these scams. Stay informed by visiting these resources regularly. - Hire an intellectual property professional at
Working with a trademark agent provides you with an extra layer of security. Our professionals handle all the paperwork with official agencies and are trained to identify fraudulent communications.
Fraud in the field of intellectual property can be difficult to detect, but with the right tools and precautions, it is possible to protect yourself from these deceptive practices. The key is to stay informed, be wary of unexpected communications, and always seek the support of intellectual property professionals .