Directory fraud when registering trade marks or patents
When starting a business or developing an innovative activity, it is often useful and important to protect your intellectual property by registering trademarks or patents. This process often attracts the attention of fraudsters operating in the field of fraudulent directories. Directory scams take the form of offers to publish or register in supposedly official directories, combined with the registration of trademarks or patents. These offers may appear legitimate at first glance, especially as they use acronyms similar to those of recognised offices such as WIPO, USPTO, EPO, EPO, IPI, etc. The documents sent look like official invoices and suggest that failure to pay on time will have consequences for the protection of your trademarks or patents.
It is important to remain vigilant and to recognise the signs of a directory scam. Here is some advice and information to help you avoid falling into the trap:
- When a trade mark or patent application is filed, the information relating to the application is always published by the relevant offices. The cost of publication is included in the filing fee, so no office charges a publication fee. Please note, however, that some offices may charge a registration fee.
- Read the terms and conditions carefully and check the details. Generally, directory scams look like invoices for a relatively large amount. The amount is shown in large print, while the fact that it is not an invoice but an offer is shown in very small print.
By remaining vigilant and taking the appropriate precautions, you can avoid directory scams and effectively protect your intellectual property when registering trademarks or patents.
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