Beware of Trademark Scams: How Business Owners Can Identify Fake USPTO Calls, Misleading Notices, and Unauthorized Trademark Solicitations

Filing a trademark is an exciting step for any business but it can also make you a target.

Many business owners begin receiving calls, emails, letters, or even text messages shortly after submitting a trademark application. These messages often look official. They may include your trademark name, serial number, or filing details. Some demand urgent payment to “protect” or “complete” your application.

Here’s the reality: once your application is filed, certain details become public. Bad actors use that information to create convincing scams. Even the United States Patent and Trademark Office warns that fraudulent or misleading trademark solicitations are common and increasingly difficult to identify.

This guide will help you recognize trademark scams, verify legitimate communications, and protect your business from costly mistakes.

Why Trademark Owners Are Targeted

When you file a trademark application, key details become publicly accessible, including:

• Owner name
• Mailing address
• Trademark name
• Filing date
• Serial number

Scammers mine this data to craft messages that look legitimate. They often:

•           Target new applicants and existing trademark owners
•           Reference real application details to build trust
•           Use urgent language like “final notice,” “required fee,” or “your trademark will be cancelled”
•           Pretend to represent the USPTO, a legal office, or an official registry

The goal is simple: pressure you into paying for something unnecessary or entirely fake.

Common Types of Trademark Scams

1.  Fake USPTO Phone Calls

Some scammers call applicants pretending to be from the USPTO. They may even spoof phone numbers so the caller ID looks legitimate.

Common claims include:

• “Your application will not proceed unless you pay today.”
•  “You missed a required fee.”
•  “You must work with a preferred partner to fix your application.”

Important: The USPTO does not use third-party “partners” to collect mandatory payments.

2.  Misleading Trademark Invoices

Many trademark owners receive official-looking invoices that are actually private solicitations. These may include:

•           Trademark publication fees
•           Private registry listings
•           International directory listings
•           Monitoring services presented as mandatory They often use:
•           Government-style logos or seals
•           Formal legal language
•           Invoice formatting designed to mimic official bills These are typically optional services—not required payments.

3.  Fake Renewal or Maintenance Notices

Trademark owners may receive notices claiming urgent renewal deadlines. While legitimate filings do exist such as:

•           Section 8 declarations
•           Section 9 renewals
•           Section 15 declarations

not every notice you receive is real. Scam letters often:

•           Demand immediate payment
•           Misrepresent deadlines
•           Create false urgency Always verify before paying.

4.  Fraudulent Emails Posing as USPTO

Some emails appear to come from official government sources but are not legitimate. Watch for:

•           Suspicious sender email addresses
•           Payment links that do not lead to official domains
•           Poor grammar or formatting
•           Requests not reflected in your official USPTO record

When in doubt, verify directly through the USPTO system or your representative.

5.  Unauthorized Text Messages and Third-Party Solicitations

Not all outreach is a scam but caution is essential. Be wary of senders who:

•           Refuse to clearly identify themselves
•           Claim government affiliation without proof
•           Pressure you for immediate payment
•           Request sensitive documents or payment details

    Say they were “assigned” to your trademark by the USPTO These are strong warning signs of misleading or fraudulent activity.

Red Flags: How to Spot a Trademark Scam

Use this quick checklist if you receive a suspicious message:

•           Urgent demand for immediate payment
•           Requests for payment over the phone
•           Official-looking invoice from an unfamiliar company
•           Company name that sounds like a government agency
•           Real trademark details—but no record in the USPTO system
•           Requests for credit card or ID information
•           Threats of cancellation without clear explanation
•           Claims of being a “USPTO partner”
•           Refusal to provide written documentation If multiple red flags appear, proceed with caution.

What Real USPTO Communication Looks Like

Legitimate trademark updates follow a clear pattern:

• They are tied to your official application record
• They appear in the USPTO’s Trademark Status and Document Retrieval (TSDR) system
•  They come through verified channels
•  They do not require payment through third-party companies

If you are working with a trademark service provider or attorney, always confirm with them before responding to any external notice.

What To Do If You Receive a Suspicious Message

If something feels off, take these steps:

1. Do not pay immediately
2. Do not share payment or personal information

3. Avoid clicking unknown links or uploading documents
4. Check your official USPTO record
5. Contact your trademark representative
6. Save all communications (emails, screenshots, letters)
7. Report the incident to appropriate authorities
8. For spoofed calls, consider reporting to the FCC

Received a suspicious trademark email or invoice?
Don’t risk paying a scam.