Spam Call Targeting Trademark Applicants

Dear Client, we want to alert you about new scam call targeting new USPTO trademark applicants.

This particular scam involves spoofed spam call from individuals posing as USPTO officials, attempting to trick trademark owners into providing sensitive information or making unnecessary payments. 

One of our clients recently received a voicemail claiming to be from the USPTO regarding their pending trademark application.

Here’s a transcript of the spam call:

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SPAM CALL TRANSCRIPT:

Dear [Your Name],

I’m Jimmy Anderson, Assistant to the IP Examiner Attorney at the USPTO. I’m reaching out regarding your trademark application, which is currently marked as “Pending” in the government database due to an incomplete classification. 

 

We want to make you aware that another applicant has submitted a conflicting application and has successfully completed all required steps to secure rights to this mark. To ensure your trademark is protected and to avoid any potential complications, it is critical that you finalize the classification by the end of today.

If the classification remains incomplete, the rights to the mark may be transferred to the new applicant.

For further assistance and to complete the classification, please contact Examiner Attorney Edward Williams directly at (571) 360-6753.

Sincerely,

Jimmy Anderson

Assistant to the IP Examiner Attorney

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What Makes These Scam Call Convincing?

Several parts of this call sound legitimate, which is why it’s important to be cautious:

• The Name Drop: The call references a specific trademark application, which may make you feel like it’s personalized and urgent.

• Claiming Incomplete Classification: Scammers often use technical-sounding terms like “incomplete classification” to confuse trademark owners.

• Urgency and Pressure: The message warns that your trademark rights could be lost if you don’t act immediately, a tactic designed to create panic and rush you into making hasty decisions.

• A Fake USPTO Phone Number: The phone number provided in the voicemail may seem real, but remember, the USPTO will never ask for direct phone call to resolve trademark issues.

If you receive spam call like this, or any odd USPTO solicitation do not engage with it.

Instead, call us or contact the USPTO directly through their official channels. Their direct email is TMScams.

As a reminder, the USPTO will never ask you for personal or payment information over the phone.

If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a scam call, you can report it to the USPTO. For further information on how to protect yourself, read their guidelines on identifying scams here.

If you’re ever uncertain about the legitimacy of a communication, reach out to our team at TradeMark Express. We’re here to help guide you through the trademark process and protect your intellectual property.

Stay vigilant and protect your trademark rights. 

Sincerely,

The TradeMark Express Team

———– 

Kind regards,

Shannon Moore

Sr. Researcher; In-House Writer

Correspondence via email only: shannon@tmexpress.com   

TradeMark Express Blog: https://tmexpress.com/trademark-blog

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonmooresagebright/

650-948-0530