Unsolicited renewal letters continue
Rights holders are being reminded to remain vigilant for unsolicited trade mark renewal reminder letters asking them to pay over the odds to renew IP rights.
Letters sent from companies like Stern Young & Partners are targeting unsuspecting holders of UK trade marks. The letters act as renewal reminders and invite payment for renewal.
The letters are being sent directly to trade mark owners, rather than their named representative.
With some 2 million new comparable EU trade mark and design rights set to land on the UK registers on 1st January 2021, rights holders are being reminded to be extra vigilant.
The fees that are usually proposed are disproportionately high and inappropriately inflated above the official fees for a UK trade mark renewal. The letters are sent well before the usual window for renewals.
Please be vigilant should you receive such a letter, you should contact your legal representative, or if you do not have one, contact a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney for advice. Do not sign and return the letter to the sender.
If you, or those you represent, receive such letters please forward on a copy and, if possible, the envelope as well to us. Please send them to [email protected]
We have regularly acted on sharp practice activities and continue to work with the UK IPO, EU Intellectual Property Office and other organisations to raise awareness of misleading mail.