The IPO says that its customers are receiving an increasing number of misleading invoices from companies requesting payment for trade mark, design and patent services, such as publication, renewal or entry in business directories.

The term misleading invoices refers to unsolicited mail or fraudulent invoices. They are sent by unsolicited organisations, who are not associated with the IPO. Misleading invoices mainly target trade mark customers. These invoices may charge for a “renewal monitoring service” or suggest wider “protection” of your IP if you pay to be included in a European or international register.

The advice is not to pay a suspect invoice and to send a copy to misleadinginvoices@ipo.gov.uk.

The guidance includes a list of known misleading mail companies and a link to examples of redacted scam invoices. To read the IPO’s press release in full, click here.