Hi, I’m Attorney Elizeth Pot Weinstein, and today we’re discussing spam, misleading, and scam emails you might receive after filing a trademark application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). It’s crucial to be aware of these communications to protect yourself from falling victim to scams. Let's delve into the types of emails you might encounter and how to identify them.

Types of Emails You Might Receive

1. Spam Emails

These are typically not harmful but can be annoying. They often come from lawyers or companies offering their services to help with your trademark application. While these are usually just advertisements, it’s important to scrutinize the sender and content.

2. Misleading Communications

Some emails might appear to be from legitimate organizations but are actually from third-party services. These emails might look official and even mimic the formatting of genuine USPTO communications but always check the sender’s email address. Official emails will come from "uspto.gov."

3. Scam Emails

These are the most dangerous. Scam emails often contain alarming language and false information to trick you into paying for unnecessary services. They might claim immediate action is required due to trademark infringement or other urgent issues. Always verify any claims directly with the USPTO before taking any action.

Examples of Misleading and Scam Emails

Misleading Service Notifications

You might receive emails from services that claim to help you with trademark deadlines and status updates. While some of these services are legitimate, they often make their emails look like they are from the USPTO. Remember, official emails will come from "uspto.gov."

Foreign Filing Deadlines

Another type of misleading email involves foreign filing deadlines. These emails might suggest that you need to act quickly to protect your trademark internationally. Be cautious, as there's no such thing as a single international trademark registration. Each country has its own process, and these emails can often be deceptive.

Scam Emails

Here’s a prime example of a scam email I received:

• Subject: "Attention: Trademark Infringement Immediate Response Required"
• Body: The email claimed to be from "Trademark Paramount," warning me of an infringement and urging immediate action. It falsely asserted an affiliation with the USPTO and included numerous inaccuracies about trademark laws and procedures.

Such emails are designed to create panic and prompt you to make hasty decisions. Always verify the legitimacy of such emails through official channels.

Tips to Protect Yourself

1. Check the Email Address: Legitimate emails from the USPTO will come from "uspto.gov."
2. Look for Fine Print: Scam and misleading emails often include fine print disclaiming any official affiliation with the USPTO.
3. Verify Claims: Use the USPTO’s official website to verify any claims made in suspicious emails.
4. Join a Community: If you’re unsure about an email, join a legal community or forum where you can share the email and get advice.

Conclusion

It’s easy to fall for scams, especially if you’re new to the trademark process. If you receive any suspicious emails, you can join my Discord community or leave a comment below for advice.