Bogus trade mark registration

The Patent Office — which oversees intellectual property issues — issued a warning after it emerged that several operations based on the continent have been inviting firms to place their trade mark in a register “with no legal significance”.

It is understood that four operations have been targeting small firms and inviting them to pay up to £800 to register a European-wide trade mark.

The warning said:

“These registers have no connection with the UK Patent Office and have no legal significance.”

A spokesman for the Patent Office said:

“While these operations are doing nothing illegal by charging firms for an entry on a register, firms are being led to believe these registries hold legal significance. If your business receives such an offer contact the Patent Office on 01633 811050 and for further information, visit the Patent Office website.”