Phishing - will you get caught?

August 26th, 2010

One of the Clients of our company has recently received a formal, official-looking letter, offering a significant discount on the fees for the registration of his mark, subject to payment of fees to a designated account and by the designated date. A sender has used the Client’s data and other information on the registration, which can be easily found in the OHIM’s database and thus he has authenticated his deception.

Similar - dishonest - actions are likely to increase. Therefore, we recommend vigilance, prudence and in case of any doubts - contacting your patent attorney.

The problem seems to be also recognized by such offices as the OHIM - the official notices sent by the Office have been recently enriched by a note as follows - 'Please be advised that there are cases where, following the publication, the applicants are receiving unsolicited mail from unofficial registration services asking for money in connection with Community Trade Marks and Registered Community Designs. If you have received an invoice or any documents from a source other than the Office or your professional representative, you should contact your attorney.(...) these companies do not have any connection with the Office'.

Read more about these scams on the OHIM’s website

Read more about these scams on the WIPO’s website

Read more about these scams on the EPO’s website


Picture from www.brian.blog.mytru.ca


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