Every year, many individuals and businesses fall victim to trademark scams. Fraudulent entities send deceptive notices and make scam telephone calls demanding unnecessary fees or posing as official government agencies, preying on trademark applicants and registrants. These scams not only rob people of their hard-earned money but also erode trust in the trademark system.

The rise of trademark scams undermines the integrity of intellectual property protection in the United States. Victims may unknowingly pay for unnecessary or nonexistent services, fail to meet real deadlines, or lose their trademark rights due to misleading information. Meanwhile, government agencies and legal professionals must expend additional resources to counteract these fraudulent practices.

We urge the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Department of Commerce, the U.S. Postal Service, and other relevant agencies to take stronger action against trademark scams. Specifically, we call for:

• Increased Enforcement – Crack down on fraudulent actors through investigations, penalties, and public enforcement actions.
• Stronger Public Awareness Campaigns – Enhance education efforts to help applicants and businesses recognize and avoid scams.
• Improved Coordination Between Agencies – Foster better collaboration between federal, state, and international authorities to shut down scammers operating across jurisdictions.
• Enhanced Legal Protections – Support legislative or regulatory measures to penalize deceptive practices and provide recourse for victims.
• Better Reporting Mechanisms – Improve and streamline ways for victims to report scams and ensure timely responses from the appropriate agencies.

Protecting the trademark system is essential for businesses, entrepreneurs, and consumers alike. By taking decisive action, the government can safeguard intellectual property rights and ensure that those seeking trademark protection are not exploited.

Join us in calling on the USPTO, FTC, Department of Commerce, U.S. Postal Service, and other agencies to step up their efforts to combat trademark scams. Sign this petition today and help protect the integrity of the trademark registration system!

For more information on trademark scams, visit: 
Is This A Trademark Scam . com

Erik Pelton
Founder and Lead Attorney
Erik M. Pelton & Associates, PLLC