Businesses warned vs fake trademark registration scam

CEBU, Philippines — Philippine businesses are being urged to scrutinize unsolicited trademark registration offers after the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) flagged a UK-based firm for allegedly misrepresenting its ties with government intellectual property agencies in an apparent attempt to pressure companies into paying for trademark services.

In a statement, IPOPHL said individuals claiming to represent “Crown Mark,” a purported intellectual property consultancy based in the United Kingdom, have been contacting businesses with warnings that another party intends to register trademarks using their brand names unless they act immediately.

The communications encourage recipients to file trademark applications with the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) ahead of the supposed competing applicant and offer to facilitate the registration process for a fee.

According to IPOPHL, the firm’s website falsely identifies the Philippine intellectual property agency, together with the intellectual property offices of the United Kingdom, Australia and the European Union, as partner organizations, creating the impression of official endorsement.

The agency said it has no affiliation with any entity operating under the name “Crown Mark” in the UK or elsewhere.

It added that the Solicitors Regulation Authority, the regulator of solicitors in England and Wales, has confirmed that it does not authorize any firm operating under that name.

The warning reflects growing risks facing companies as trademark filings and cross-border brand protection become increasingly important to businesses expanding into overseas markets. Fraudsters have increasingly exploited concerns over intellectual property rights by using fabricated filing deadlines, false competing claims and misleading references to government agencies to induce companies to make unnecessary payments.

IPOPHL urged businesses and trademark owners to independently verify the authenticity of any trademark-related correspondence before responding.

The agency further advised recipients not to click links, download attachments, reply to suspicious emails or send payments, and instead confirm the legitimacy of the communication directly with the relevant intellectual property office before taking any action. — (FREEMAN)