The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) is currently warning against fraudulent e-mails that look official and contain alleged invoices or requests for payment in connection with trademark or design applications. The EUIPO expressly points out that it does not send requests for payment for services by e-mail or post. If you receive such an e-mail: do not react, do not click on any links, do not transfer money and report it immediately.

This EUIPO fraud warning concerns all those who register, administer or renew international or EU-wide protected trademarks or designs via the EUIPO.

What is it about?

Time and again, the IP community – trademark applicants, design users, agencies – receives fraudulent emails claiming to come from the EUIPO. These emails contain alleged invoices or requests for payment, often with official logos, letterheads and the supposed email address of EUIPO executives. Recipients are asked to transfer alleged “registration fees” in cryptocurrency or to foreign bank accounts. Such requests are fake.

EUIPO fraud warning in context

The EUIPO expressly emphasizes that it does not send requests for payment by e-mail or post. Payments and official communication are made exclusively via its secure “User Area”. The fraudulent emails misuse the EUIPO logo, name and official letterheads – often with forged signatures. The attempt is part of a wider wave of IP-related scams: Similar warnings have also been issued by the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) and WIPO.

Practical consequences

The risks are considerable: anyone who responds to such demands and transfers the money usually loses it irrevocably. If genuine fees are not paid, there is a risk of losing trademark or design protection. Companies that manage IP rights in particular risk reputational damage due to incorrect transfers or late renewals. Agencies and law firms that manage trademark portfolios on behalf of third parties should also actively draw their clients’ attention to the current EUIPO fraud warning and establish internal checking mechanisms for incoming payment requests.

The current EUIPO fraud warning is not an isolated case: for years, fraudsters have been exploiting the moment after a trade mark or design application has been filed. Shortly after publication in the official register, applicants receive mail or e-mails with official-looking requests for payment – often from senders who look very similar to the EUIPO, the DPMA or the WIPO. The amounts typically range between 500 and 2,000 euros, often for alleged “registration fees” or “publication costs” that do not actually exist. Companies without a specialized IP department are particularly at risk, as they do not recognize such letters as forgeries. The EUIPO therefore recommends establishing clear internal approval processes for IP-related payments and always contacting your own trademark attorney or the official EUIPO hotline if in doubt.

What you should do

If you receive a dubious e-mail: Do not respond, do not click on any links and do not transfer anything. Check whether the payment request is confirmed via the official EUIPO warning page user area or by contacting your representative. Report suspicious emails to CustomerCare@euipo.europa.eu. Do not make payments to foreign accounts or via cryptocurrency. Always process communication and payments via official channels.

If you have already transferred money, contact your bank immediately and file a fraud complaint. If you are unsure whether an e-mail is genuine, check the official user area to see if the claim appears there, or ask a trademark lawyer.

Find out how to strategically protect your brand right from the start in our podcast episode Brand strategy for companies: Protection that fits the business.