Trademark Scam Calls: How to Spot and Avoid Them
When you file a trademark, your contact information becomes public record. Unfortunately, that makes it easier for scammers to target applicants with fake phone calls, emails, and letters pretending to be from the USPTO. Here’s how to recognize these scams and protect your application.
Trademark Scam Calls: What You Need to Know
When you file a trademark application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), your name, mailing address, phone number, and email address become part of the public record. This transparency helps create an open and verifiable trademark system. Unfortunately, it also means scammers can see your information.
These bad actors may call, email, or even send letters pretending to be from the USPTO. Their goal? To get you to pay for unnecessary services, hand over sensitive information, or send money for something that isn’t legitimate.
Why This Happens
The USPTO makes certain application details public so anyone can verify ownership, check for conflicts, and maintain transparency in the trademark system. While this openness helps protect legitimate rights, it also creates an opportunity for scammers who harvest the information for fraudulent purposes.
Unfortunately, there’s no way to hide your contact details from the USPTO database once you file. That’s why it’s important to know what scams look like and how to protect yourself.
One way to reduce your risk is to keep your personal contact details off the public record when you file. With Trademark Engine, you can opt in to our Privacy Protection service, which replaces your personal phone, email, and mailing address with alternate contact details, making it harder for scammers to find you.
How These Trademark Scams Work
Scammers often monitor the USPTO database for new trademark filings. Once they find your application, they may:
Call you directly claiming to be from the USPTO about an “urgent” trademark matter.
Send fake invoices or notices using the USPTO logo or similar branding.
Offer overpriced or unnecessary services like “international trademark registration” or “protection packages.”
Many of these scammers use scare tactics, saying your trademark will be abandoned, canceled, or rejected unless you act immediately.
How to Recognize Real USPTO Communications
The USPTO will never:
Call you to demand immediate payment.
Ask for personal banking information over the phone.
Sell you third-party services.
Legitimate USPTO messages:
Come from an @uspto.gov email address.
Are usually sent by U.S. mail or email—not phone calls for payment.
Include your official USPTO serial number or registration number, which you can verify using the TSDR system.
Tips to Protect Yourself from Trademark Scam Calls
Verify before paying. If someone calls claiming to be from the USPTO, hang up and check the request independently.
Look closely at email addresses. Fake domains like “uspto.org” or “uspto.com” are red flags.
Check the USPTO’s official warning page on trademark solicitation scams to see if the message matches known fraud attempts.
Work with a trusted trademark service. Filing through Trademark Engine means you have a partner to help you understand legitimate USPTO communication and avoid costly mistakes, with the option to add Privacy Protection for extra security.
Get started with Trademark Engine, and we’ll help guide you through the process.
FAQs About Trademark Scam Calls
Can I remove my phone number from the USPTO database? No. Once submitted, your phone number and email address become part of the public record. However, you can use a business address and business phone number instead of personal contact details to protect your privacy.
Does the USPTO ever call trademark owners? It’s rare. Most USPTO communication happens through email or regular mail. If you receive a call asking for payment, it’s almost certainly a scam.
What should I do if I’ve already paid a scammer? If you’ve sent money or shared financial information, contact your bank or credit card provider immediately to stop or reverse the transaction. You can also report the scam to the USPTO and the Federal Trade Commission.
The Bottom Line
Unfortunately, scam calls and emails targeting trademark applicants are common, but they’re also preventable when you know what to look for. If you receive a suspicious notice about your trademark, don’t respond right away. Instead, verify through official USPTO channels or reach out to our knowledgeable staff at Trademark Engine for help.
Your trademark is worth protecting—don’t let a scam get in the way.
Sources:
USPTO. "About Us"
USPTO. "Recognizing Common Scams"
USPTO. "What to Do if You've Been Scammed"
FTC. "Report Fraud"
Trademarket Blog
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