Clients are warned to be aware of potential scam invoices sent by third parties for the payment of supposed IP services.
We have noticed a recent rise in misleading invoices sent to clients, particularly for trade mark services.
Please be aware that various companies have been known to approach applicants, requesting the payment of fees to “register” trade marks in an unofficial database controlled by them.
We have also been made aware of further approaches relating to renewal fees, asking clients to pay fees at hugely inflated prices. These services are typically not legitimate and provide no legal benefits.
Official Guidance
The UKIPO and EUIPO have issued guidance, which includes example scam invoices and a list of organisations that may send them.
We strongly urge you not to pay any unexpected invoices from third parties for any IP services. You should only pay invoices issued by Forresters or your appointed renewal fee payment provider. If you are in any doubt about the legitimacy of an invoice, please contact us.
