Misleading scam emails targeting IP applicants and rights holders

The Intellectual Property Office of Ireland is aware of Irish companies receiving emails from Registered Trademark Agents in relation to European Trade Mark applications.

The Agents mentioned in the emails are not affiliated with the company details contained in these emails and they would appear to be fraudulent.

As these emails relate to European Trade Mark applications, they should be reported to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).  For more information on EUIPO Fraudulent emails: Warning to users - EUIPO.

Do not respond to these emails.  

Please note the following recommendations:

1. Please do not respond by email or ring the number listed.
2. Compare information provided in the email signature to the contact details as provided by the Agent on the Register of Trade Mark Agents.
3. Please report receipt of the email to CustomerCare@euipo.europa.eu by saving the email as an attachment, rather than forwarding them.
4. Report the fraudulent email to your local Garda Station. Once reported please forward the case number to EUIPO email: CustomerCare@euipo.europa.eu who will pass it onto Europol.

Further information on how to identify and protect from misleading communications can be obtained by reading the Procedure Manual on handling misleading payment requests for IP right owners, published by the EUIPO in collaboration with Europol.