UPDATE-Misleading invoices scams targeting IP applicants and rightsholders

**UPDATE 23/06/2025**

Further to the information mentioned below, the Office has become 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 EUIPO Fraudulent emails: Warning to users - EUIPO

Please do not respond to these emails. The Office will continue to investigate this matter. 

We wanted to bring to your attention an important update from Europol, supported by the EUIPO, of the strategic report on misleading invoices targeting IP rightsholders and applicants.

The 2024 report is an update of previous strategic reports and highlights scammers’ evolving tactics and trends. The report shows a significant increase in fraudulent activities targeting IP rightsholders and applicants. Scammers use advanced tactics such as email spoofing and phishing attacks to exploit vulnerable individuals and businesses into paying unnecessary fees for unsolicited or fake services. They often impersonate official IP offices, using fake certificates and imitating logos to appear legitimate.

For more information and guidance please see EUIPO Report