Protecting Your Brand: How to Avoid Trademark Scams

It is important to protect your brand, but scammers are always looking for ways to trick business owners. Trademark scams are fake emails, letters, or invoices that look real. These scammers try to convince you to pay money for services that do not exist or are unnecessary. This article will help you understand how to spot these scams and keep your trademark safe.

What Is a Trademark Scam?

A trademark scam happens when someone sends you fake information about your trademark. This can include fake bills, urgent warnings, or offers to “protect” your trademark for a fee. The scammers make their messages look official, hoping to confuse you. If you do not know what to look for, you might pay them without realizing it is a scam.

How to Spot a Trademark Scam

Here are some warning signs to help you identify a scam:

• Urgent Payment Requests: Scammers often say you must pay quickly or you will lose your trademark. Real trademark offices will not pressure you like this.
• Unexpected Messages: Be careful of emails, calls, or letters you were not expecting. In the United States, lawyers are not allowed to contact you directly unless they clearly say it is an advertisement.
• High Fees: Scammers may ask for a lot more money than a real trademark office charges. Always check official prices.
• Vague Information: Real trademark offices will provide clear details about why they are contacting you. If the message does not explain who they are or what they want, it is probably a scam.

How to Protect Yourself from Scams

1. Check Where the Message Came From
   If you receive a letter or email about your trademark, double-check that it is real. Visit the USPTO website or your country’s official trademark office to confirm.
2. Ask a Trademark Attorney
   If you are not sure if a message is real, ask a trademark attorney. They can review the message and tell you if it is fake. Attorneys know how the trademark process works and can help you protect your brand.
3. Teach Your Team About Scams
   Make sure your team knows what trademark scams look like. If they handle emails or calls about your brand, they need to know how to spot and avoid scams.
4. Report Scams
   If you find a scam, report it to the trademark office or a local consumer protection agency. This can help stop scammers from targeting other business owners.

Tips to Keep Your Trademark Safe

Here are a few ways to protect your trademark:

• Watch for Unauthorized Use: Regularly check to make sure no one else is using your trademark without permission.
• Protect Your Online Accounts: Make sure your domain names and social media accounts are secure and up-to-date.
• Track Important Dates: Keep track of your trademark renewal dates so you do not fall for fake notices.

Conclusion

Trademark scams are a real problem that can cost you time and money. By learning the warning signs, checking suspicious messages, and getting help from a trademark attorney, you can protect your brand from scammers.

Staying alert and informed is the best way to protect yourself. If you have questions about trademark protection or need help, contact a trademark attorney. Protecting your brand is worth the effort, and taking the right steps now will help you stay safe in the future. To learn more about Derek Fahey, who authored this article, click HERE.