Beware of Trademark Scams

Many trademark applicants are getting official looking notices from scam artists. These notices make it appear that the notice is from the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Unless carefully examined these notices can fool just about anyone.

A great resource  from the United States Patent and Trademark office is an online resource tool called TESS,  the  Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS). This search engine allows you to search the USPTO’s database of registered trademarks and prior pending applications to find marks that may prevent registration due to a likelihood of confusion refusal.

Just as it is a great resource for proper uses, it can also be abused when unauthorized companies mine that data and use it to send out business sercices offers that look like they could be official USPTO documents requesting  or requiring your money for services.

Many trademark applicants are getting official looking notices from scam artists. These notices make it appear that the notice is from the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Unless carefully examined these notices can fool just about anyone.

“In fact, one of our trademark clients received such a notice and assumed it was real” shared Trademark Attorney, Charles Runyan, Of counsel, KEYTLaw.  “Luckily, he contacted us before sending a check for $375 to the scammer.”

The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued a notice about these scammers. This notice provides the detail on how one goes about determining whether a communication in fact comes from the Trademark Office.

Or you can contact, Trademark Attorney, Charles Runyan, Of counsel, KEYTLaw for more information.

Charles Runyan contact information.

Posted in AZBio News, Intellectual Property.