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IP Alert: Trademarks and Third-Party Solicitations

8/18/2015

Many of our clients occasionally receive notices with regard to their U.S. trademarks/service marks from companies not associated with us or with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Many of these companies use the trademark application and registration information from the USPTO's databases to mail or e-mail trademark-related solicitations, which may include offers: (1) for legal services; (2) for trademark monitoring services; (3) to record trademarks with U.S. Customs and Border Protection; (4) to register trademarks in foreign countries; (5) to oppose trademarks or domain names registered in other countries; and (6) to "register" trademarks in the company's own private registry.

These companies may use names similar to the USPTO, including, for example, one or more of the following terms: "United States," "U.S.," "Trademark," "Patent," "Registration," "Office," or "Agency." Some companies attempt to make their solicitations mimic the look of official government documents by emphasizing official government data such as the USPTO application serial number, the registration number, and other information that is publicly available from USPTO records. Many refer to other government agencies and sections of the U.S. Code. Some originate abroad. Almost all require that you pay their "fee" in addition to any official filing fees required by the USPTO.

Please DO NOT respond to any of these trademark-related communications. If Gray Plant Mooty is the attorney of record for your trademark registrations, we will be in direct contact with the USPTO and all communication regarding your U.S. trademark/service mark registration will come from our law firm.