Trademarks and patents are essential for protecting intellectual property, but scammers are targeting businesses by pretending to be the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Here’s what to watch for and how to keep your business safe:
How the Scam Works:
Scammers may call, email, or text, claiming to be from the USPTO. They might say your trademark application will be approved—or is about to expire—if you pay immediately. Sometimes, they claim someone else is trying to register your trademark, urging you to act fast.
These messages can look convincing, using the USPTO seal, real staff names, or even a real USPTO phone number. But it’s all a scam.
How to Protect Your Business:
- Never pay USPTO fees in response to calls, emails, or texts. The real USPTO will never demand payment this way. Fees are only paid through official channels at specific times.
- Slow down and verify. Scammers create urgency so you don’t have time to think. Always check your trademark status using the USPTO’s Trademark Status & Document Retrieval (TSDR) tool.
- Go directly to the source. Contact the USPTO’s Trademark Assistance Center at 800.786.9199 for any questions. Only use official links and phone numbers you trust—never click on links or QR codes from unsolicited messages.
If you spot a scam:
Report suspicious activity to TMScams@uspto.gov and the Federal Trade Commission. Learn more about protecting your trademarks with USPTO’s Trademark Basics Boot Camp and explore their resources on trademark scams.
Stay alert and share this information with your team to keep your business protected. Read more about this scam at: https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/blog/2025/09/really-united-states-patent-trademark-office?utm_source=govdelivery
