Smart Vision Trademark Scam Exposed: Don’t Fall Victim!
Don’t respond to the Smart Vision Trademark email that urges you to register your brand name. The email which claims an applicant intends to register your brand is a ploy to get you to pay for fake trademark registration fees.
Smartvisiontrademark.com is a scam trademark registration website, and not a legit law firm. It is operated by scammers impersonating ‘James D Kleeger’.
In this comprehensive guide, we provide details about the Smart Vision Trademark Scam, victims report, red flags to spot, and how to protect yourself from this scam.
Exposing The Smart Vision Trademark Scam
The scam claims someone is trying to get a federal trademark for your brand or domain, then ask that you respond immediately in order to stop the process. However, this is where it gets sneaky.
When you call the number ”1 (925) 488-1965”, you’ll be redirected to someone with a foreign accent, who’d aggressively try to collect a $299 fee.
Once you make the payment, the scammers would spoof the USPTO logo and send you fake receipts. They do not register the trademark under USPTO.
The final stage of this scam is the disappearing act. How does this happen? by ceasing communication with you.
Smart Vision Trademark Scam Victims Complaints
A couple of small business owners sent us the following messages, detailing their experience with smartvisiontrademark.com.
“I received an email stating that my website domain is about to be registered as a trademark by someone else. It had lots of legal mumbo jumbo that made it seem legit. Called and spoke with James D Kleeger and he convinced me to register my domain with smartvisiontrademark.com. Did so, but uspto.gov shows my trademark application hasn’t been registered”
“After receiving a final notice from Smart Vision Trademark, I paid the $299 for trademark registration and other perks. Two weeks later, my trademark application has not yet been filed, and there’s no response from them!”
Smart Vision Trademark Redflags That Reveal It’s a Scam
It’s Among a Large Chain of Trademark Registration Scam
Smartvisiontrademark.com shares same website design, content, and address with Trademark Swift and Trademark Troop– an exposed trademark scam. From all indications, it’s part of a large chain of trademark scams.
Spoofs Legitimate Attorney
Smart Vision Trademark uses the name of reputable attorneys eg; ‘James D Kleeger’ to trick recipients. This is all part of the scam. The real James Kleeger is not connected to Smartvisiontrademark.com
Not a Legal Entity
The legal mumbo jumbo on the email is just a trick to make recipients believe Smart Vision Trademark is a legal entity. On the website’s about us page, they state they’re not a law firm. This means there’s no real attorney and applicant intending to use the aforementioned trademark.
Not BBB Accreditated
Most trademark registration firms are listed on BBB. A lack of BBB accreditation is actually a huge red flag worth noting.
Recently Registered Website
Smartvisiontrademark.com was actually registered on January 2024. Within that short time, it’s impossible to have provided trademark solutions to thousands of businesses.
Fake Business Address
Smart Vision Trademark is using the address of a popular place ‘
601 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017,’ to trick people. There’s no law firm listed in the address.
How To Protect Yourself From Smart Vision Trademark Scam
Do Not Engage
Do not attempt to reply the email as responding can lead to more scams. The best action you should take in this scenario is to totally ignore these emails.
Seek Legitimate Counsel
The next action you should take as a business owner or brand owner is to consult with a reputable trademark attorney for genuine concerns.
Educate Your Staff and Colleagues
Informing your staff and colleagues about this latest scam would ensure they do not fall prey to it. Upon receiving similar emails, they’d be cautious and know the right steps to take.
What are The Right Authorities To Report The Smart Vision Trademark Scam?
If you’ve received the Smart Vision Trademark scam email and/or you’ve fallen victim to the scam, it’s very important to report the scam to relevant authorities such as the USPTO helpdesk, ReportFraud.ftc.gov or Internet Crime Complaint Center. This would enable them issue a warning to the public about the ongoing scam.
You should also report the scam to your local law enforcement agency. Provide them with all the details regarding the scam, including any emails, telephone numbers, or communication you have received.
How To Avoid Similar Trademark Scams
- Ignore Unsolicited calls or emails that are not from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) from its domain “@uspto.gov
- Consult an IP attorney if you have any concerns about misleading info you’ve received about trademarks.
- Always vet a company thoroughly before using their services. This you can do by searching for reviews or complaints on TrustPilot and Better Business Bureau.
- Ask detailed questions about their registration process, fees, and what specific services are included.
- Never pay questionable third parties through irreversible means like wire transfers, gift cards or crypto. Responsible firms will have no issue with you using credit cards/payment methods offering fraud protection.
Conclusion
Smart Vision Trademark Scam uses deceptive tactics to get people to pay for fake legal services related to Trademarks, Copyrights, and Intellectual Property. Do not respond to the email!
References
https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/tm-trademarks-scamprevention_20230427.pdf
https://www.bairdholm.com/blog/dont-be-duped-by-trademark-scams-2/
