Avoiding misleading payment requests
You may receive a misleading invoice that requests payment for a service related to a trade mark, design, or patent. Here's some information and guidance on what to do.
What is a misleading invoice?
A misleading invoice refers to unsolicited mail or fraudulent invoices. They are sent by unsolicited organisations, who are not associated with the Intellectual Property Office. Misleading invoices can be received for all types of IP but mainly target trade mark customers. These invoices offer high-cost services such as:
- renewal monitoring services
- “protection” or “publication” of your IP in a European or international register
What should you do?
Do not pay them. It is highly unlikely you will get your money back. This type of organisation operates across borders which makes enforcement extremely difficult. If you are unsure about something you have received, please do the following:
- send a copy to misleadinginvoices@ipo.gov.uk and someone from our team will respond to you.
- report misleading invoices to Action Fraud and make an Information Report via the online reporting tool
- report to your local Trading Standards office.
Examples of misleading or unsolicited mail companies
You can view further that customers have received.
It is common for these unsolicited organisations to change their names. If you do not recognise the company or if they’re not listed below, please send a copy of the invoice to misleadinginvoices@ipo.gov.uk.
- EIPA
- EUIP
- European Agency Intellectual Property
- European Intellectual Property Agency (EUIPA)
- European Intellectual Property Services (EIPS)
- European Patent and Trademark Agency (EPTA)
- European Union Intellectual Property Directory (EUIPD)
- Intellectual Property Organisation Service (IPOS)
- International Organisation Intellectual Property (IOIP)
- International Patent and Trademark Register (IPTMR)
- International Property Services (IPS)
- International Trademark Register
- INT-Trademarks
- IPRO
- IPR Protection
- TPS – Trademark Publication Service
- Trademarks Worldwide Ltd
- World Intellectual Property Office for Trademarks (WIPOT)
- World Organisation for Trademarks (WOTR)
- World Patent & Trademark Agency
- WTPR
Further information
If you require further reassurance or information, please contact misleadinginvoices@ipo.gov.uk.
Updates to this page
Last updated 30 July 2024 + show all updates
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Examples of misleading or unsolicited mail companies and the ODT misleading invoices document updated.
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IPR Protection added.
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List of misleading mail companies under heading 'Who are these misleading mail companies?' updated.
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First published.