The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has warned businesses and trademark owners against an alleged trademark registration scam involving a United Kingdom-based firm falsely claiming links with intellectual property offices, including IPOPHL.
According to IPOPHL, individuals representing a supposed intellectual property consultancy called Crown Mark have been contacting businesses, claiming that another party intends to register their brand name as a trademark.
The recipients are then urged to file trademark applications with the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) ahead of the alleged competing applicant, with Crown Mark offering to facilitate the registration.
IPOPHL said the firm’s website lists the Philippine IP office, along with the intellectual property offices of the United Kingdom, Australia, and the European Union, as its partner organizations.
The agency clarified that it has no official relationship with any entity operating under the name Crown Mark in the UK or elsewhere.
It also noted that the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), which regulates solicitors in England and Wales, confirmed that it does not authorize any firm operating under the Crown Mark name.
IPOPHL urged businesses, trademark owners, and the public to exercise caution when receiving unsolicited communications related to trademark registration.
The agency advised recipients of suspicious emails or messages not to click on links, download attachments, respond to the sender, or make any payments. It also encouraged them to verify the identity of any organization claiming to represent an intellectual property office before taking action.
Suspicious activities related to intellectual property administration may be reported through IPOPHL’s social media channels, customer support email, or hotline.
