We, and the relevant bodies, are aware of an email scam fraudulently using the names of registered IP Attorneys, attempting to ‘scare’ applicants into registering trade marks. The emails contain false and misleading information. For more information please read our blog here.
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Warning – Unauthorised changes to address for service details on trade marks

On 12 March 2025 published a warning on LinkedIn about a new scam targeting trade mark customers/owners. Unlike previous malicious strategies, such as the fake emails using genuine attorney names, this appears to involve the scammer (or scammers) making bulk requests to change the address for service details without the owners consent.

It seems that numerous trade mark records have been affected, with the fraudulent requests taking advantage of the automatic update facility to change the details. In response, IP Australia has immediately frozen the online capability to do this for address for service and the activity has been reported to the necessary authorities. IP Australia will be reinstating the original and correct agents/address for service on these affected records. It appears that some other processes that are usually automated (such as issuing notice of new trade mark filings to the agents on record) has also been frozen whilst the matter is investigated. As such, we might expect some short delays in receiving these notices if they are having to be issued manually.

At this time, exactly how many trade mark customers have been affected is unknown.

Crucially, changing the address for service does not affect any other trade mark aspects, such as the status or ownership. Anyone who has noticed a change to their address to service – or any other fraudulent activity – is urged to contact IP Australia on 1300 651 010. Trade mark customers can also follow updates on IP Australia’s LinkedIn page. Naturally, we are happy to review any notices if you are concerned or suspicious, or, simply unsure if your trade mark has been affected. You can always email me at jacqui@mmwtrademarks.com.au for further advice and review.

I will, of course, update this post as soon as more information becomes available.

Jacqui Pryor

Jacqui is a registered trade marks attorney with the Trans-Tasman IP Attorneys Board and is the founder and owner of Mark My Words Trademark Services Pty Ltd.

After being introduced to the world of trade marks in one of her first jobs after high school, Jacqui discovered she had a deep passion and interest for all things to do with protecting brands and intellectual property. She completed a Graduate Certificate in Trade Mark Law and Practices as well as a Diploma in Business Management and then set up her own business in 2011.

Her motivation for starting Mark My Words was to support SMEs which typically couldn’t afford such a service and while the company has grown in both size and reputation over the years, she has remained true to her founding principles of providing professional, friendly, reliable and affordable trade mark services to all.

Mark My Words now has a client list that spans businesses of all sizes across a range of industries. It provides advice and assistance on all types of complex trade mark registrations, infringements and opposition matters both in Australia as well as overseas.

Jacqui’s wealth of experience, broad range of professional qualifications and her ongoing participation in industry forums and networking platforms keeps her at the forefront of developments in the global trade mark arena. Her expertise in her field has also led to several nominations as a top individual trademark attorney by the World Trademark Review - the world’s leading trademark intelligence platform.

To keep up to date with the latest in the field of trade marks, follow Jacqui and MMW Trademark Services on Facebook.

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