The patent and trade mark offices, including the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (GPTO), the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), warn against misleading offers, requests for payment, and invoices that do not originate from these offices. The letters come from private companies and demand payments for IP applications and renewal fees.

Due to the public accessibility of the register data of the patent offices, in which the name and address of the owner of an IP right can be viewed, great caution is required when receiving letters with requests for payment.

If in doubt, contact the office responsible for your IP rights or your attorney if they are registered as a representative when you receive invoices.

Further information can be found on the internet portals of the patent and trademark offices, such as the GPTO, EUIPO, WIPO, and EPO.