I have recently received multiple inquiries from clients wondering about mail they received from Trademark Compliance Center. Once client had already written a check and was prepared to send it in. What is the Trademark Compliance Center? IT IS NOT A GOVERNMENT AGENCY. Completing their form or paying them money has nothing to do with the status of a trademark application or registration at the USPTO. The soliciation from TCC is cleverly timed to go to applicants – even those with counsel – during their application process so that they are even more likely to believe it is connected to the USPTO.
I have no idea whether the services provided by TCC are commensurate with their charges. Registration with US Customs is quite valuable, as I have written several times. (See: https://www.erikpelton.com/2010/01/05/tip-us-customs-will-work-to-protect-your-trademark/.) What concerns me about TCC is that they are contacting applicant’s represented by counsel and (A) possibly offering to provide a legal service, and (B) resembling official government correspondence. The USPTO even warns applicants about the Trademark Compliance Center on its WARNING: Non-USPTO Solicitations That May Resemble Official USPTO Communications page. Several complaints regarding TCC have been filed on RipOffReport.com.
Image via RipOffReport.com
They have since changed their name slightly to”Trademark Compliance OFFICE” and their new address is 101 N 19th Street Suite 1200, Arlington, VA, 22209. Otherwise, the form and cost ($385) is identical. SHRED.
I also received this from “Trademark Compliance Office” – a very official looking form obviously sent to confuse you. Interesting how there is no phone number, no website address – they are trying to make it look like a government document.
Thank you for sharing, I received the same letter. I trashed it!
Recieved a letter today asking for payment of 385.00 from the Trademark Compliance Office. Clearly a scam.
I received this letter this week as well. I thought we already paid the fee. I’m glad I googled the office name and did some research first. Address on mine was 1001 N 19th (not 101…. I think above is a typo) Good point about no phone number or website. I will remember that for future scams.
I was just about to pay the $385.00 but also noticed there was not a contact phone or email. I googled and thank you for this! What a scam!