When a trademark application is filed, it is subsequently published online with information related to the trademark including the applicant’s name and address. Scammers have been known to use this information to send out documents that look like they originate from the Canadian Intellectual Property Office and indicate that the payment of fees is required for some purpose. If you receive any document related to your trademark, it is recommended that you forward it on to your trademark agent for review prior to taking any action to pay fees. Your agent will be able to review the document and confirm for you whether or not any action is required or if it is indeed a scam. When in doubt, ask questions.
Some additional things to keep in mind:
- In Canada, there is no governmental fee for advertisement or publicationof a trademark. If you receive a document that indicates a fee required for this purpose then it is a scam.
- Correspondence from the Trademarks Office is always sent to the trademark agent or representative for service on file. If you have an agent then you should only be receiving correspondence from your agent related to your trademark.
- In Canada, trademarks are currently in force for 15 years after registration after which they can be renewed every 15 years (this will change to 10 years once the amended Trademarks Act comes into force). Documents from these scammers usually include incorrect deadlines and generally quote excessively high fees for the renewal of your trademark.
If you receive any document related to your trademark, it is recommended that you forward it to your trademark agent for review prior to taking any action to pay fees. Your agent will be able to review the document and confirm for you whether or not any action is required or if it is indeed a scam. When in doubt, ask questions. It can save you money and prevent situations where you miss an important deadline that you thought had already been taken care of.