Beware: This "Trademark Alert" Is a Scam

If you’ve received an alarming email claiming someone is trying to trademark your business name, urging you to act immediately or risk losing your rights, don’t panic.

You’re likely the target of a common trademark scam designed to pressure business owners into paying unnecessary fees or signing up for overpriced (or completely fake) services.

Below, we’ll break down why this specific email is a scam, what red flags to look for, and what to do instead.

The Scam Email Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at the message:

“Another party has approached us to file a trademark application for the same name...your business demonstrates prior and consistent use, giving you a stronger legal position.”

Sounds official and urgent, right? That’s exactly the point. Scammers use fear tactics and vague legal language to create panic and rush your decision-making. The goal is to get you to respond immediately — and often, pay a fee to “secure” your trademark before someone else does.

Red Flags in the Email:

Unsolicited Trademark Warning

The USPTO (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office) does not send notices through random third parties. Only attorneys or trademark professionals you hire should be contacting you about your intellectual property.

Vague and Unverifiable Claims

The message refers to “another party” and “a trademark application” but provides no names, dates, or USPTO application numbers — just a generic warning.

Scare Tactics and Urgency

“Time-sensitive,” “first-come, first-served,” and “legal risks” are all designed to pressure you into acting without thinking.

Dubious Contact Information

“Secures My Mark” is not a recognized law firm or legitimate trademark service. The individual, “Kenneth Jordan,” has no verified legal credentials publicly available. The address given (1800 North Vine Street, Los Angeles) is a shared office building, often used for virtual offices — another common scam tactic.

Not From a Licensed Attorney

A “Senior Paralegal Officer” is not a designation recognized by the USPTO. Only licensed trademark attorneys are authorized to represent clients in trademark matters before the USPTO.

What You Should Do Instead

Do NOT Respond

Don’t email back, don’t call the number, and don’t click on any links. Engaging with scammers often leads to more spam and potential fraud.

Search the USPTO Database

You can check the USPTO’s Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) yourself to see if anyone has filed for a mark similar to yours.

Consult a Legitimate Trademark Attorney

If you’re concerned about protecting your business name, seek professional advice from a licensed attorney — not from someone who randomly emailed you.

Report the Scam

You can report these types of scams to the FTC (www.reportfraud.ftc.gov) and the USPTO at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Why These Scams Work

These types of trademark scams target small businesses and entrepreneurs, especially those who:

• Recently registered a business or domain
• Filed a trademark application
• Have public-facing brands

The scammer's message creates a false sense of urgency and authority — often mimicking legal language or referencing the USPTO — to trick people into acting out of fear.

Final Thoughts

A legitimate trademark process never starts with an unsolicited warning from a stranger. If you receive messages like this one, treat them like phishing attempts: ignore, report, and protect your information.

Don’t fall for the trap. Knowledge is your best protection.

Need help navigating your trademark the right way? Contact a licensed trademark attorney or visit www.uspto.gov to get started with trusted resources.