Registering a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is an essential step to gain protection of your brand. You can choose to do the registration process yourself, or work with an attorney. Whatever your choice, you should know that you are likely to be targeted by scams. One such scam is outlined below.
WTP Service combs the USPTO registration database for new applications and then sends out the following letter to the trademark owner. The letter uses the information provided in the USPTO application to make the owner think it is an official communication.
What is important for trademark applicants to know is that registration with the WTP is not required to receive protection under the USPTO. Registration with the WTP also does not actually afford any additional protections.
While this is not the only scam that targets new applicants, it is common. Trademark applicants should be made aware of it. If you receive this, or any other communications about your trademark application, you should reach out to your attorney. If you are not already working with an attorney, please reach out to Royal Trademark Law Services with any questions you have about your trademark registration process.
