Fraudulent Invoices
As previously reported, owners of registered rights such as patents and trade marks are increasingly targeted by unsolicited offers to pay fees at highly inflated prices.
Fraudulent European Patent Office (EPO) and Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market (OHIM) invoices are being sent to UK based companies and individuals. These invoices are nearly identical to an original invoice from the EPO or OHIM and, often, it is only the bank details that are different.
If you receive a fraudulent invoice, the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) has now set up a dedicated online reporting tool. Please click here for more information.
If you are in any doubt as to the source of any offer or request for payment in connection with your IP rights, please contact us and we will be happy to advise you further.
