Trademark Scam Letters and Calls: How to Spot a Fake USPTO Notice

Published by the Registry Consulting team · How we researchSources linked in this guideNot a law firm · no legal adviceTalk to a trademark attorney

Updated November 2, 2026

Registry Consulting is an independent information site, not a law firm, and does not give legal advice. Guides are general information about U.S. trademark law.

Quick answer: Real USPTO emails come from @uspto.gov, and USPTO websites end in .gov. The USPTO says it never asks for payment or personal information by phone, email or text, and never wants wire transfers or gift cards. Names like "Trademark Renewal Service" are not the USPTO.

Trademark filings are public, so scammers can see your name, mark and serial number. That's why their letters look so convincing.

Signs it's a scam

Red flag	Why it matters
Payment by wire, gift card, cash, check or money order to a third-party address	The USPTO says it does not require these
Pressure to pay now or lose your trademark	Scammers demand fees that aren't due
A name close to, but not, "United States Patent and Trademark Office"	The USPTO says variations like "Trademark Renewal Service" are not part of it
Someone asks for your USPTO.gov password	The USPTO says never share it; a real attorney files through their own account
A company says the USPTO recommends it	The USPTO says it does not recommend companies or attorneys

Common scams

Spoofed websites that copy USPTO.gov or my.USPTO.gov to collect payment details.
Spoofed phone calls using fake caller ID and real employee names, claiming your application is stuck until you pay.
Imposter emails that quote your serial number and ask for documents or payment by reply.
Mailed solicitations for "registration" in private directories or renewal services that look like government bills.

How to check a notice

Look up your application or registration status in the USPTO's TSDR system yourself.
Compare any fee with the USPTO's official fee schedule.
Check the sender's domain: only uspto.gov is official.
When in doubt, call the Trademark Assistance Center at 1-800-786-9199 using the number on uspto.gov, not the number in the letter.

Real renewal deadlines are explained in how long a trademark lasts.

If you already paid or shared information

Contact your bank or card company right away to dispute the charge. Report spoofed websites to TMScams@uspto.gov, as the USPTO asks, and report fraud to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If someone used your USPTO.gov account, change the password and contact the USPTO.

Not sure whether a notice is real?
Request a free call with a trademark attorney or legal-service partner. Registry Consulting is not a law firm and may be paid by firms that receive inquiries. Talk to an attorney

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change; confirm current details on the USPTO website or with a licensed attorney.

Frequently asked questions

Does the USPTO email trademark owners?

Yes. Examining attorneys and post-registration examiners contact applicants, and real USPTO emails end in @uspto.gov.

Is a trademark renewal service letter from the USPTO?

No. The USPTO says names like "Trademark Renewal Service" are not part of it. Check your real deadline in TSDR.

Does the USPTO accept gift cards or wire transfers?

No. The USPTO says it does not require payment by wire transfer, gift cards, cash, check or money order to third-party addresses.