Got a Trademark Renewal Notice Scam by Email or Mail? Do Not Fall for These Common Scams

If you own a registered trademark, you are likely very proud of the brand protection you have secured. However, with that success comes a hidden risk: scammers know exactly when and where to target trademark owners. Many businesses receive alarming “Trademark Renewal Notice Scam” by email or mail, claiming that urgent action is required to maintain their trademark. These notices often look official, complete with seals, barcodes, or references to “U.S. Trademark Office.”

The problem? Most of these are trademark renewal scams. Paying them could mean you lose money—and worse, you could lose your trademark rights if the real renewal deadlines are missed.

This guide will walk you through how trademark renewals really work, why these scams are so convincing, and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim.

How Trademark Renewals Really Work

Unlike a business license or domain name, a trademark does not just sit on autopilot once registered. It requires maintenance filings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) at regular intervals:

• Between the 5th and 6th year: File a Declaration of Continued Use (Section 8).
• Between the 9th and 10th year: File a combined Section 8 and Section 9 Renewal.
• Every 10 years after that: File renewals again to keep your registration alive.

If you miss these deadlines, your trademark can be canceled.

For a deeper breakdown, see our blog: [When Does Your Trademark Expire? Understanding the 5-Year Rule], which explains why the first five-year maintenance is so critical.

Why You Receive These Fake Notices

Scammers do not pull your name out of thin air. Instead, they rely on the USPTO’s public database. Every trademark filing includes your name, address, registration date, and renewal deadlines. This means scammers can easily target trademark owners with fake renewal invoices right when deadlines are approaching.

Many business owners assume these letters or emails are genuine because they arrive at the right time and include details about their mark. But just because the information looks accurate does not mean the notice is legitimate.

The Most Common Trademark Renewal Scams

Trademark scams often take a few predictable forms. Knowing the red flags will help you spot them immediately.

1. Fake Renewal Invoices

These often include government-like seals, barcodes, or official-sounding names such as “U.S. Trademark Agency.” They may say things like:

“Your trademark will be canceled unless immediate payment of $1,250 is received.”

2. Fake USPTO Emails

Some scammers send emails claiming to be from the USPTO. However, the real USPTO only sends confirmation emails after you file something through their system. They do not email invoices or renewal requests.

3. International Registry Scams

You may see notices about being listed in a “worldwide trademark registry” for a large fee. These databases are meaningless, and listing your mark there provides zero legal protection.

Want to better understand how different countries handle filings? Read our guide: [Understanding the 45 Trademark Classes]. Many scammers misuse “class” terminology to confuse business owners.

4. Fake Monitoring or Watch Services

Some letters offer to “monitor” your mark for infringement. While monitoring is a real service, scammers charge inflated fees and deliver little to no value.

How to Spot a Fake Notice

While scammers are clever, there are several telltale signs of fraud:

• Email address: The USPTO only communicates from addresses ending in uspto.gov.
• Urgent language: “Failure to respond immediately will result in cancellation.”
• Overcharging: The USPTO charges $250–$350 or $550 per class, not $1,500+.
• Requests for wire transfers: Scammers prefer untraceable payments.
• Strange company names: “Trademark Renewal Center” or “Patent & Trademark Bureau” are not real agencies.

What a Real USPTO Renewal Process Looks Like

Understanding how the USPTO actually communicates is the best protection.

• All filings are done through TEAS (Trademark Electronic Application System).
• All official information is posted in TSDR (Trademark Status and Document Retrieval).
• The USPTO never sends renewal invoices by email or mail.
• The USPTO may send emails with reminders that the deadline to renew your trademark is approaching. And the USPTO will send a You only receive confirmation after filing, not before.
  

If you want a step-by-step look at official filings, check out: [The Complete Guide to Trademarking Your Brand: From Idea to Registration]. This shows exactly what authentic USPTO communication looks like.

What to Do If You Get One of These Notices

If you receive something suspicious:

1. Do not pay it.
2. Check your trademark status in TSDR on the USPTO website.
3. Forward the notice to your attorney for review.
4. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission or USPTO.

👉 Confusing notices are not always scams. Sometimes, the USPTO issues real challenges known as Office Actions. If you ever receive one, see our guide: [Office Action Panic? A Simple Guide to Respond Without Losing Your Trademark].

How to Protect Yourself Going Forward

Here are practical steps to stay safe:

• Set calendar reminders for USPTO renewal deadlines.
• Bookmark official USPTO sites (TEAS and TSDR).
• Do not click on Google Ads for “trademark renewal”—scammers often run them.
• Rely on your attorney to manage deadlines and filings.

Scams are not the only way your mark can be lost. Honest mistakes in filings can also cancel your protection. See: [Trademark Filing Mistakes That Can Get You Rejected (and How to Avoid Them)].

Why Attorneys Are Your Best Scam Protection

Law firms like Adams Law Office:

• Track your deadlines automatically.
• Filter scam notices so you do not waste money.
• Ensure filings are done correctly and on time.
• Give you peace of mind that your brand is safe.
  

You can follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube to learn more about trademark services.

Final Takeaway

Trademark renewal scams are unfortunately common, but they do not have to cost you money or your brand rights. The key is understanding how renewals work, recognizing red flags, and partnering with a trusted trademark attorney who handles filings on your behalf.At Adams Law Office, we help entrepreneurs and business owners protect their trademarks from scams, mistakes, and missed deadlines—so you can focus on growing your brand with confidence.