Trademark scams are a growing concern for businesses and individuals in Canada. Fraudsters are targeting trademark holders with deceptive notices, demanding payments or requesting sensitive information. Both the College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents (CPATA) and the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) have issued warnings to alert the public about these scams. Here’s what you need to know and how to protect yourself.
How the Scam Works
Scammers send notices that appear official, often referencing your trademark or patent information. These fraudulent messages might:
- Claim to be from trademark or intellectual property authorities.
- Demand payments for services like renewal, registration, or additional fees.
- Request personal or financial information.
These notices can be misleading, sometimes using official-sounding language or logos to appear legitimate.
CPATA and CIPO Warnings
CPATA Advisory
The CPATA warns that scammers are targeting individuals and businesses in Canada, exploiting their lack of familiarity with trademark processes. They advise anyone receiving unexpected or suspicious communications to verify the source before taking action. For more details, visit their trademark scam advisory page.
CIPO Notice
The CIPO highlights that scam notices often request payments for services unrelated to official trademark procedures. They urge recipients of such messages to disregard and report them immediately. Learn more on the CIPO scam warning page.
How to Protect Yourself
- Verify the Source
Always check if the notice comes from an official trademark office or a trusted representative. Official communications typically come from email addresses ending in @canada.ca or recognized government websites. - Consult a Trademark Agent
If you’re unsure about the authenticity of a notice, consult a licensed trademark agent. They can confirm whether the request is legitimate and guide you through the process. - Do Not Share Personal Information
Avoid sharing sensitive details such as your credit card number, banking information, or trademark certificate with unverified sources. - Report Suspicious Notices
If you receive a fraudulent notice, report it to CPATA or CIPO to help prevent others from falling victim.
What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted
If you’ve already responded to a scam notice, take the following steps:
- Contact your bank or financial institution immediately to stop any unauthorized payments.
- Inform CPATA and CIPO to help them track and address these fraudulent activities.
- Monitor your trademark or patent information for any unauthorized changes or misuse.
Stay Informed
Trademark scams can have serious consequences for your business. By staying vigilant and informed, you can safeguard your intellectual property and financial security. Regularly review updates from CPATA and CIPO to stay ahead of the latest threats.
For more information, visit the CPATA advisory page and CIPO scam warning page.
