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ARTICLE · 26 JUNE 2019

Unauthorized Invoices – Canadian Trademark Owners Beware

Canadians trademark owners are being targeted with misleading fee and renewal notices. As discussed previously, this is not a new phenomenon, but is one we are seeing with increasing incidence.

CanadaIntellectual Property

Canadians trademark owners are being targeted with misleading fee and renewal notices. As discussed previously, this is not a new phenomenon, but is one we are seeing with increasing incidence. These seemingly official invoices have caused some to pay exorbitant fees to private companies in the mistaken belief that they are paying fees required by the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO).

CIPO has stated that they are aware of fraudulent notices being sent to brand owners by mail or email. The notices appear legitimate and closely resemble official notices as prepared by CIPO. Unscrupulous notices are prepared and sent by private companies that are not associated with CIPO, WIPO or the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). These companies have made a business out of sending unsolicited invoices by choosing names that are vaguely similar to legitimate government offices. Usually, the solicitations notify trademark owners of an upcoming filing

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