Trademark scams are on the rise – here's how to spot them before it's too late

We’ve seen an uptick in dodgy emails targeting business owners around Australia, claiming their trademark (or business name) is at risk. These emails are convincing – they often look like they're from legit legal professionals and use alarmist language to pressure you into acting quickly.

Here’s what’s going on – and what you need to know to protect your brand.

What do these scam emails look like?

Scammers are getting smarter. They’re sending out emails that:

• Pretend to be from trade mark lawyers

• Claim someone is about to register your exact business name as a trade mark

• Say you’ve got 24 hours to stop it

• Offer to 'protect' your rights (for a fee)

• Ask you to call them urgently

Everything is designed to create panic – but in most cases, the threat isn’t real.

The red flags to watch for

While the names, websites and phone numbers might change, the patterns are usually the same. Keep an eye out for:

• Strange sender addresses (or domains you’ve never heard of)

• Firms with names like “TM Registry Filers” or “Trademark Filers AU”

• Email subject lines that sound threatening (e.g. “Final Notice” or “Infringement Warning”)

• Urgent language designed to scare you into responding

If it feels off – it probably is.

What should you do if you get one?

Don’t reply. Don’t click any links. And definitely don’t pay anything.

Instead:

1.     Take a breath. These scams are designed to pressure you into quick decisions.

2.     Check the facts. Use IP Australia’s website or reach out to a trusted trademark expert (like us) for advice.

3.     Report it. The ACCC’s Scamwatch is a great place to flag these kinds of emails.

The bottom line?

You can protect your business name – but it starts with registering your trademark properly, through someone who knows what they’re doing. We make that simple.

If you’re unsure about a trademark email you’ve received or want to make sure your brand is secure, contact us for assitance.