Beware of Intellectual Property Scams

The Prevalence of IP Scams in Australia

In recent years, Australia has witnessed a significant rise in intellectual property (IP) scams, particularly relating to patents and trade marks. As businesses increasingly rely on digital platforms and global commerce expands, opportunities for fraudsters to execute sophisticated scams have also increased. These scams aim not only to extract money but also to “phish” for personal or company information for illicit purposes.

Detecting a Patent, Design or Trade Mark Scam

Identifying an IP scam requires vigilance and awareness of certain red flags, including:

• Unofficial Communications: Scams often mimic legitimate requests from official sources such as IP Australia or the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). Always verify the origin of any communication.
• Generic Business Titles: They will use generic, literal business names and websites in an attempt to make them appear legitimate to anyone unfamiliar with the official IP organisations.
• Excessive Fees and Procedures: Be wary of entities that charge high fees for patent registrations and renewals, especially for services that seem redundant or unverifiable.
• Threatening Tactics: Some scammers may resort to threats after a prolonged period of engagement. Legitimate organisations do not operate in this manner.

Trusting the Right Partners for Filing and Renewing Patents, Trade Marks & Designs

When it comes to protecting your intellectual property, selecting the right partner is crucial. Always work with reputable patent and trade mark attorneys who have a proven track record.

Wynnes Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys provide a trusted service and will only issue official notices and requests for payment if we are the designated address for service.

If you receive any suspicious communication regarding your IP rights, do not provide any information, make any payments, or click on any links. Instead, contact Wynnes immediately. We are here to help you navigate the complexities of IP protection and ensure that your innovations and brand identity remain secure.

For any concerns or if you suspect you might be a victim of an IP scam, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Our commitment is to your security and peace of mind in all matters of intellectual property.