USPTO Phishing and Imposter Scams Intensify
POSTED BY Chris Passarelli
Phishing and imposter scams targeting trademark and patent owners are a growing category of fraud. More and more scammers are sending emails and making calls that appear to come from legitimate sources, including the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Phishing emails may spoof or use domains that look similar to official government actors, such as the USPTO (including addresses that appear to be from the domain: @uspto.gov). Some messages contain fake filing deadlines, fee invoices, account warnings, or document links that prompt you to enter credentials or remit payment.
In addition, we are seeing trademark and patent owners being targeted over the phone. It is common for these fraudulent calls to list the caller ID or the voicemail display as “US PTO” or “USPTO.” In these instances, the caller is not the USPTO; the display has been spoofed, and the caller may attempt to elicit payments, personal information, or account access.
We have compiled guidance below to identify and take action against USPTO phishing and imposter scams.
LOOK OUT FOR:
Unsolicited emails or texts about USPTO filings, fees, “urgent” account issues, or login resets;
Messages that appear to be from “USPTO” or similar addresses resembling uspto.gov, but with slight misspellings or unexpected senders;
Embedded links or attachments labeled as invoices, Office actions, “final notices,” or “secure documents”;
Requests for payment by wire, gift card, cryptocurrency, or a new, unknown portal;
Caller ID or voicemail displays reading “US PTO” or “USPTO,” especially when the caller seeks immediate payment or confidential information;
Poor grammar, unusual urgency, or threats of negative consequences for nonpayment.
TAKE ACTION:
Do not click links or open attachments in unsolicited messages, regardless of the apparent sender;
Do not provide payment information or credentials by email, text, or phone to unsolicited requestors;
If you have questions you can contact USPTO directly by calling their general information line at 1-800-786-9199, or email usptoinfo@uspto.gov
DP&F Clients:
Do forward suspicious messages to DP&F: tmdept@dpf-law.com and call 707-261-7000; we will verify authenticity and advise next steps;
If you clicked a link, opened an attachment, or disclosed information, immediately notify your IT/security team and contact us at tmdept@dpf-law.com and call 707-261-7000.
It is our recommendation that anyone managing trademarks or other intellectual property for an organization be made aware of these types of scams. If you have questions or need assistance validating any communication that appears to come from the USPTO please contact your DP&F attorney or reach us at tmdept@dpf-law.com and call 707-261-7000.
Chris Passarelli is a partner in DP&F’s Intellectual Property group. He counsels clients on establishing and enforcing their trademark protections.
