Trade marks: 11 alerts in last six weeks
There has been a rise in “highly convincing” scam emails targeting businesses and trade mark owners that use the names of genuine solicitors, a leading law firm has warned.
They often claim that a third party is about to file, or has filed, a UKIPO trade mark application for a name identical or similar to the recipient’s brand and invites them to “act now” to avoid losing their rights, according to City firm Ashurst.
“In some cases, the emails direct recipients to slick but fraudulent websites or request disclosure of trade mark details that could be used for further malicious activity.
“This is a form of impersonation fraud that relies on circular legitimacy. The email, the website and the purported professional profiles cross refer to one another to appear authentic.
“While such messages may borrow the names or SRA details of real lawyers, those individuals are not associated with the communication and are themselves victims of identity misuse.”
The Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) scam alerts page backs up Ashurst’s warning.
The regulator has issued 11 alerts [1] in just the last six weeks on trade mark emails misusing the names of genuine solicitors or firms.
Ashurt said the emails may cite the UK’s ‘first to file’ system and list severe consequences if the recipient did not respond, including rebranding, takedown from online platforms and infringement claims.
“The tone is time pressured and binary: either you have a registration and the matter closes, or you must authorise an urgent filing.
“Critically, these emails often embed links to the SRA or Law Society websites and to a ‘process’ page on a professional looking website. The external links are used to bolster trust, even though the sender, domain and the filing claims are fabricated.
“Some iterations may seek identity documents, power of attorney forms or payment details; others solicit trade mark specifications and intended goods/services, which can later be weaponised in phishing or invoice fraud.”
Ashurst warned recipients not to reply, click any links or open attachments, and to undertake checks on the sender if they were unsure.
Companies with existing advisors should just ask them to check whether any genuine filings have been made.