{"id":20692,"date":"2024-10-28T16:29:03","date_gmt":"2024-10-28T16:29:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cpata-cabamc.ca\/?p=20692"},"modified":"2024-11-22T15:23:08","modified_gmt":"2024-11-22T15:23:08","slug":"scam-alert-fraudulent-notices-related-to-patents-and-trademarks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cpata-cabamc.ca\/en\/scam-alert-fraudulent-notices-related-to-patents-and-trademarks\/","title":{"rendered":"Scam Alert \u2013 Fraudulent Notices Related to Patents and Trademarks"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMembers of the public are being targeted <\/span>in phishing attempts <\/span>by fraudulent individuals and companies<\/span> requesting payments to<\/span> prevent \u2018threats\u2019 to their trademarks.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/strong>\n\n \n\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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CPATA has received <\/span>a number of<\/span> expressions of concern about emails recently received by clients of licensees.<\/span> These communications bear all the hallmarks of what is known as a \u2018phishing scam<\/span>\u2019<\/span>,<\/span> the fraudulent practice of sending emails or communications purporting to be from a trusted source, <\/span>vendor<\/span> or reputable company to induce people to reveal personal information, bank account or other account information, or to send money to the fraudster.<\/span> Licensees and members of the public should be <\/span>on high <\/span>alert an<\/span>d take steps to protect themselves against phishing attempts.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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What to Look Out For? <\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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According to the Canadian Intellectual Property Office, scam notices often request urgent payment for expiring patent or trademark protection, incorporating information from public records to sound legitimate.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

In the most recent examples provided to us by diligent agents hoping to protect both their clients and the public at large, a company holding itself out as able to protect trademarks from challenge, led by an individual who refers to themselves as an Intellectual Property Attorney with a \u2018team of experts\u2019, raises fears and creates a sense of urgency by suggesting that another party has applied for trademark registration for the recipient\u2019s business name, \u2018despite your long-standing use of it.\u2019 It states that unless the trademark is federally registered \u201cyour business name is vulnerable to unlawful claims\u201d, and this \u201cdemands immediate action to safeguard your rights and protect the integrity of your brand\u201d. Naturally, the sender offers to help you by taking \u2018swift action\u2019, at a \u2018relatively small cost\u2019.\u00a0 When the recipient fails to answer the first email, more emails follow with increasing urgency and escalating senses of risk. Subsequent emails may say \u201cFINAL ATTEMPT\u201d or the like.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

The Better Business Bureau posted an article on May 1, 2024, \u201c<\/span><\/span>BBB Business Scam Alert: Fake patent and trademark renewal emails are targeting business owners<\/span><\/span><\/a>.\u201d This is a helpful article for learning more about <\/span>these type of scams<\/span> and how to avoid getting caught up in them.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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How Can Agents Protect their Clients? <\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Agents can reach out to clients, letting them know of recent incidents. As mentioned in the BBB article, clients should:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>