Pertinent Perils

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued an advisory that companies with which it is not affiliated are harvesting trademark registration information from the USPTO’s online databases to solicit applicants by deceptive means. The companies use names that appear to resemble the UPSTO name, such as including “United States” or “U.S.” in their titles. They may also use graphic elements in their correspondence to appear as official government documents. The solicitation asks the trademark applicant to pay additional required fees. The USPTO website has posted examples about misleading solicitations issued by companies pretending to be conducting official business related to trademark applications. The applicants receiving these misleading solicitations tend to be individuals or small businesses, as larger corporations are too savvy to be so misled. Before responding to any correspondence concerning your trademark application, consult your attorney. If you filed the application yourself without legal assistance, you may seek advice from TMFeedback@USPTO.gov Scan and e-mail a copy of the correspondence you received in connection with your trademark application to TM Feedback and they will advise you if what you received was a legitimate communication from the USPTO.