IP Australia Reveals Surge in Trade Mark Scam Emails and Letters: How to Protect Your Business

Trade Mark Scam Emails and Letters Are Increasing – Here’s What You Need to Know

IP Australia has reported a growing number of fraudulent trade mark renewal emails and letters targeting Australian businesses. These scams trick trade mark owners into making unnecessary payments or handing over sensitive information under the guise of official notices.

With scammers refining their tactics, it’s more important than ever to recognise red flags and verify any IP-related correspondence before taking action.

How Do Trade Mark Scam Emails and Letters Work?

Scammers send deceptive emails and letters impersonating IP offices, law firms, or domain registrars. These fraudulent messages typically:

  • Demand urgent renewal payments – They claim your trade mark is about to expire and require immediate payment to avoid losing rights.

  • Imitate official agencies – Scammers use logos and branding similar to IP Australia or international IP offices.

  • Threaten legal action – Some emails claim you are infringing on another trade mark and must settle immediately.

  • Offer fake trade mark monitoring services – They promise protection against unauthorised trade mark use but provide no actual service.

Red Flags of a Trade Mark Scam Email or Letter

To protect your business from falling victim to a trade mark scam, look out for these common warning signs:

Unsolicited renewal notices – If you haven’t requested an update, be cautious. IP Australia does not send random renewal demands.

Emails from unofficial addresses – Scam emails often come from generic domains like "@gmail.com" instead of a verified government website.

High-pressure tactics – Fraudsters create urgency, claiming immediate action is required to prevent trade mark cancellation.

Requests for personal or financial details – Be wary of emails asking for direct payments or login credentials.

Poor formatting and errors – Many scam emails contain spelling mistakes or awkward phrasing.

How to Verify a Legitimate Trade Mark Notice

If you receive an email or letter about your trade mark, follow these steps to confirm its authenticity:

  1. Check directly with IP Australia – Visit IP Australia's official website and log in to your account to verify renewal dates.

  2. Look up the sender’s email – Official IP Australia emails come from “@ipaustralia.gov.au” – anything else is a red flag.

  3. Consult a registered trade mark attorney – If in doubt, get professional advice before making payments.

  4. Compare with known scam examples – IP Australia keeps a list of reported trade mark scams.

How to Report a Trade Mark Scam Email or Letter

If you receive a suspicious email or letter, take immediate action:

  • Report it to IP Australia – Forward scam emails to IP Australia's fraud team.

  • Do not respond or pay – Avoid clicking on any links or providing payment details.

  • Warn your network – Alert employees, colleagues, and industry contacts about the scam.

Final Thoughts

The rise in trade mark scam emails and letters is a serious concern for Australian businesses. Staying vigilant, verifying communications, and reporting fraudulent notices can help prevent financial loss and protect your intellectual property rights.

For the latest scam alerts, visit IP Australia's fraud and corruption page.

This article is based on information from IP Australia's present announcement.