We have previously warned of a proliferation of unwarranted notices or invoices being sent to the owners of trade mark applications / registrations. These notices may suggest that your trade mark has been accepted for registration, is due for renewal or should be published in their publication and request payment of a fee. These requests usually take the form of an official looking invoice or letter which is sent out after the filing or publication of the application, or when a trade mark registration is due for renewal, and will usually include details of a genuine application or registration.
The United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) has now issued a notice alerting businesses to a new domain name fraud which involves an organisation claiming to be the “Trade Marks Intellectual Property Office” telephoning businesses with the aim of scaring them into buying domain names and then sending a follow up invoice. This is a scam.
The UKIPO advises that such calls be reported to Action Fraud. Action Fraud is the online reporting portal for all instances of alleged fraud affecting UK citizens and businesses
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact Ansons for advice.