Trademark Scams Are Increasing: What Business Owners Should Know
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- March 2, 2026
DALLAS, March 2, 2026 — Trademark owners across the country are seeing a rise in fraudulent emails and letters pretending to come from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). These scams often look official, reference real application serial numbers, and pressure business owners into sharing sensitive information. Our firm is issuing this update to help protect your brand.
A New Scam Targeting Trademark Applicants
Scammers are sending letters and emails claiming that your trademark application will be delayed or suspended unless you join a “verification call.” They often ask for:
- Owner name and address
- Business history
- Goods/services information
- Business structure
Because the message includes real application details, many recipients assume it is legitimate.
How to Spot a Fake USPTO Message
Watch for these warning signs:
- Email domain issues — Real USPTO emails end in @uspto.gov.
- Missing from your TSDR record — Authentic USPTO communications appear in your application’s public file.
- Requests for information the USPTO never asks for — The USPTO does not evaluate business history or ownership structure.
- Unofficial formatting — Fake letters often lack proper USPTO letterhead or contain formatting inconsistencies.
Protecting Your Trademark
A few simple steps can help safeguard your intellectual property:
- Verify the sender before responding.
- Check your TSDR record to confirm whether the communication is official.
- Contact your assigned USPTO examiner or call the Trademark Assistance Center at 800-786-9199.
- Never provide sensitive information until you confirm authenticity.
OUR FIRM CAN HELP
Our firm is your first line of defense against trademark scams. We closely monitor trademark filings and know how to spot fraudulent communications before they cause harm. If anything you receive looks unusual—even slightly—send it our way. We’ll confirm whether it’s legitimate, safeguard your rights, and ensure no one takes advantage of your brand.
Contact:
Ajay R. Shah
The Law Office of Ajay R. Shah
12222 Merit Drive, Suite 1200
Dallas, Texas 75251
O: 972-837-2237
F: 972-837-2238
ajay@ajayshahlaw.com