Patent Attorney and Founder
Opening Hook
So, you’ve filed a trademark application… and now your inbox is filling up with urgent-looking emails saying someone is about to “take your trademark” unless you act fast.
That’s exactly what a lot of inventors and business owners are seeing right now.
And here’s the truth: most of those emails are scams.
I’m seeing this more and more often, clients, founders, even other attorneys asking, “Is this real or fake?” And honestly, that confusion is exactly what these scammers are counting on.
Let’s break it down in plain English so you know what’s real, what’s fake, and how to protect yourself.
Article Roadmap
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- What USPTO trademark scam emails actually are
- Why these scams are so common right now
- How to instantly spot a fake notice
- What real communication from the USPTO looks like
- What to do if you already received one
- How to protect yourself going forward
What Are USPTO Trademark Scam Emails?
Let’s start simple.
A trademark scam email is any message pretending to be connected to your trademark application, usually saying things like:
- Someone is trying to register your trademark
- You need to “pay immediately” to secure your rights
- Your application is at risk unless you respond quickly
- A third party can “help you finalize” your registration for a fee
These emails are designed to look official. But they are not coming from the government.
When you file a trademark application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, your information becomes publicly accessible. And scammers use that public data to target applicants directly.
That’s the key issue.
Your filing isn’t private, and unfortunately, that opens the door for fraud.
Why Trademark Scam Emails Are So Common
Here’s what’s really happening behind the scenes.
Once your trademark application is published or pending, your name, address, and filing details can be found in public USPTO databases. Scammers:
- Scrape that data automatically
- Build email lists of active applicants
- Send mass “urgent” notices pretending to be official warnings
This isn’t random. It’s targeted.
And it works because trademark applicants are usually in a vulnerable moment, they’ve just invested time and money, and they don’t want to lose their brand.
So when someone says “your trademark is at risk,” it creates panic.
But here’s the reality:
The USPTO does NOT send third-party private emails asking for payment to “protect your trademark.”
If you’re getting that kind of message, it’s almost always a for-profit scam operation.
We’ve seen versions of this for years, but it’s definitely more aggressive on the trademark side than even patents.
How to Spot a Trademark Scam Email (Fast)
If you only remember one section of this article, make it this one.
Here are the biggest red flags:
1. It’s not from a .gov domain
Real USPTO communications come from official government systems, not random Gmail, Outlook, or private domains.
If it’s not clearly tied to a government or your attorney, be skeptical.
2. It creates urgency or fear
Scam emails love phrases like:
- “Immediate action required”
- “Final notice”
- “Your trademark is in jeopardy”
- “Priority registration available”
The goal is simple: rush you into paying without thinking.
3. It asks you to pay a third-party fee
The USPTO does charge official filing fees, but those are always paid through official government systems, not random companies emailing you invoices.
If someone is asking you to “secure your rights” for a separate fee, that’s a huge warning sign.
4. It sounds like legal authority, but isn’t
Scammers often use phrases like:
- “Trademark monitoring service”
- “IP protection registry”
- “International trademark listing”
These sound legitimate, but they’re not part of the official USPTO process.
5. It looks like a law firm… but isn’t
One of the most frustrating parts is that some of these scams impersonate law firms or “filing agents.”
But in reality, they’re often offshore operations with no real legal authority.
If you’re unsure, always verify independently before responding.
What Real USPTO Communication Actually Looks Like
This is important because not every email is a scam.
Real communication from the USPTO usually:
- Comes through official USPTO systems (not random email threads)
- References your serial number or application number clearly
- Uses neutral, factual language (not fear-based wording)
- Does NOT pressure you into immediate payment outside official channels
Also, if you are working with an attorney, most communication will go through them—not directly to you.
If something feels off, pause and verify before reacting.
And yes, this confusion is exactly why even attorneys sometimes get these emails and double-check them.
What to Do If You Receive a Scam Trademark Email
If you think you’ve received one of these emails, here’s what I recommend:
Step 1: Don’t click anything
No links. No attachments. No payments.
Step 2: Check the source carefully
Look at the sender’s email domain and compare it to official USPTO communications.
Step 3: Cross-check your application
You can always log into your USPTO account directly and check your real application status.
Step 4: Talk to your attorney (if you have one)
If you’re working with counsel, forward it to them. They’ll usually recognize it instantly.
Step 5: Ignore and delete (in most cases)
Once confirmed as a scam, the best move is simple: don’t engage.
Responding can actually lead to more spam.
How to Protect Yourself Going Forward
Here’s the reality: you can’t stop scammers from sending these emails.
But you can make yourself a harder target.
A few practical tips:
- Always file and manage trademarks through trusted legal counsel or directly through official USPTO systems
- Never rely on third-party “registry” companies for protection
- Educate your team if you’re running a business with multiple filings
- Be skeptical of urgency-based legal emails
- Bookmark official USPTO resources so you know where to verify information
If you’re serious about protecting your brand, this is just part of the modern IP landscape.
And unfortunately, it’s not going away anytime soon.
Final Thoughts
Trademark scam emails are frustrating, but once you know what to look for, they become a lot easier to spot.
Here’s the simple takeaway:
- If it’s not from the USPTO or your attorney, be skeptical
- If it creates fear or urgency, slow down
- If it asks for payment through a third party, it’s almost certainly a scam
Most importantly, don’t let these emails distract you from actually building your business.
Your trademark protection is real, but it has to come through the right channels.
So here’s the question I’ll leave you with:
Are you confident you can tell the difference between a real USPTO notice and a scam email if it shows up in your inbox tomorrow?
Call to Action
It is my hope that this article gives you the knowledge and clarity you need to Go Big and Go Bold℠!
If you have questions about protecting your invention, book a free discovery call at https://boldip.com/contact. We’d love to help.
Legal Disclaimer
Legal Note
Legal Note: This blog article does not constitute legal advice. Although the article was written by a licensed USPTO patent attorney there are many factors and complexities that come into patenting an idea. We recommend you consult a lawyer if you want legal advice for your particular situation. No attorney-client or confidential relationship exists by simply reading and applying the steps stated in this blog article.