If you’ve registered a trademark for your business, you’ve taken a big step to protect your brand. But scammers know that, too—and they often target trademark owners with fake renewal notices. These trademark renewal scams can trick you into paying hundreds, even thousands of dollars if you’re not careful.

In this 2025 update, we’ll explain how these scams work, how to spot them, and how to stay safe.

What Are Trademark Renewal Scams?

Trademark renewal scams happen when fake companies send you letters or emails that look official. These notices may say your trademark is about to expire and ask you to pay a fee to keep it active. They might include:

• Government-style logos and formatting

• Your real trademark registration number or filing date

• Warnings about “immediate action required”

• Instructions to send a check or enter payment online

The reason these letters look convincing is because scammers pull public information from the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) database. That means they can include your name, address, trademark name, and registration date—all of which makes their notices seem real.

Real vs. Fake: How to Spot the Difference

Here’s how to tell a real USPTO message from a trademark scam:

• Official emails only come from “@uspto.gov.”

• The USPTO does not send paper invoices or bills demanding immediate payment.

• They will not threaten cancellation in a letter or try to scare you into acting fast.

• You must always file renewals directly through USPTO.gov.

• Scam notices often come from private companies using names like “Trademark Compliance Office” or “Intellectual Property Services.”

If you’re ever unsure, contact the USPTO directly or speak with a trademark attorney.

Trademark Renewal Deadlines in 2025

The deadlines for maintaining a trademark haven’t changed, but it’s important to know exactly when and what to file:

1. Between the 5th and 6th year after registration
   File a Section 8 Declaration to show your mark is still in use.

2. Between the 9th and 10th year
   File a Section 8 Declaration again, along with a Section 9 Renewal to extend protection for another 10 years.

3. Every 10 years after that
   You’ll need to file both the Section 8 and Section 9 documents each decade to keep your trademark alive.

Important Notes for 2025

• The USPTO fee schedule was updated in early 2025. Always double-check current fees before submitting anything.

• If you miss a deadline, there is a 6-month grace period, but you’ll have to pay an extra fee—and missing that grace period means your trademark can be canceled.

Why These Scams Work So Well

These scams succeed because they seem official and take advantage of how spaced-out the real deadlines are. Many business owners:

• Forget when renewals are due

• Don’t understand what “Section 8” or “Section 9” filings mean

• Are too busy to double-check before paying

• Get nervous when they see threats about cancellation

Scammers count on that confusion and urgency to get you to act without verifying the facts.

The Real Cost of Trademark Scams

• The USPTO receives hundreds of scam complaints every month.

• In a 2023 study by INTA, over 65% of small business owners said they received a fake trademark renewal notice.

• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that businesses lost over $400 million to intellectual property scams in 2022 alone.

These scams are not just annoying—they can cost you real money and even put your trademark rights at risk.

How to Protect Yourself from Trademark Scams

Here are seven easy ways to stay protected:

1. Only trust emails from “@uspto.gov.”

2. Never pay third-party invoices unless you’ve verified the company.

3. Set up reminders for your trademark renewal deadlines.

4. Work with a trademark attorney who can monitor your filings.

5. Make sure your contact info is up-to-date in the USPTO database.

6. Check the current USPTO fee schedule before making payments.

7. Report scams to the USPTO and the FTC right away.

What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed

If you already paid someone you think is a scammer, take action quickly:

• Contact your bank or credit card company to stop the payment.

• Report the scam at reportfraud.ftc.gov .

• Email the USPTO at [email protected] .

• Check your trademark’s status on USPTO.gov .

• Consult a trademark lawyer to see if your registration is still valid.

Real-Life Example

Imagine you run a company called “Fresh Threads” and registered your trademark in 2020. In 2025, you get a letter saying you must send $1,200 immediately to keep your trademark active. The letter includes your correct registration number and looks very official.

You're busy, so you pay the fee. But months later, you find out your trademark was never renewed with the USPTO—and your registration is canceled.

This happens more often than you’d think.

Final Thoughts: Stay Informed, Stay Protected

Trademark renewal scams are becoming more common—and more convincing. But if you know the facts, you won’t fall for their tricks.

• Keep track of your trademark deadlines

• Only deal directly with the USPTO or your attorney

• Be skeptical of unsolicited invoices or letters

Your trademark is an important business asset. Protect it like you would protect your brand, your logo, or your product name.

If you're ever unsure, stop and ask. It’s better to double-check than to get scammed.