Trademark Echo Scam Targeting Business Owners – Beware!
Don’t fall for the Trademark Echo email that says someone intends to register your brand name. It’s a scam. Trademarkecho.com is not a legit trademark registration company or a law firm. The website is operated by scammers who use threatening emails to get people to pay for fake trademark registration and legal fees.
In this comprehensive guide, we provide details about the Trademark Echo Scam, victims report, red flags to spot, and how to protect yourself from this scam.
How The Trademark Echo Scam Works
The Trademark Echo scam is orchestrated by scammers pretending to be Daniel Kim from 300 S Grand Ave, Suite 302 Los Angeles, CA 90071. They send emails to business owners, brand owners and website owners. They claim someone is trying to get a federal trademark for recipient’s brand or domain, then ask that you respond immediately in order to stop the process.
Once recipients fall for the trick and contact Trademark Echo, the scammers request for high fees for unnecessary and nonsensical processes like ‘Trademark monitoring’.
In cases of Trademark registration, the scammers might spoof the USPTO logo and send clients 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 victims.
Complaints from Trademark Echo Victims
A couple of small business owners sent us the following quotes, detailing their experience after being conned by the fraudsters at trademarkecho.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 Daniel Kim, and he convinced me to register my domain with trademarkecho.com. Did so, but uspto.gov shows my trademark application hasn’t been registered”
“After receiving a final notice from Trademark Echo, I paid the $149 for trademark registration and other perks. Two weeks later, my trademark application has not yet been filed, and there’s no response from them!”
Trademark Echo Redflags That Reveal It’s a Scam
It’s Among a Large Chain of Trademark Registration Scam
Trademarkecho.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
Trademark Echo uses the name of reputable attorneys eg; ‘Daniel Kim’ to trick recipients. This is all part of the scam. One of the attorneys often mentioned in their email is ‘Amanda Rokita’. It’s all just a hoax. The real Amanda Rokita has issued a warning about trademark scams using her name –
“Please note that it has come to our attention that businesses are receiving emails from “Trademark Zenesa” and “Trademark Blink” using Amanda Rokita’s name in the signature. Our office has never been affiliated with any third party trademark companies, some of which have been identified by the USPTO as a scam. We only offer trademark services through our law firm, Rokita Law, P.C. If you received one of these emails, we would greatly appreciate it if you would forward it to [email protected]. Thank you”
Not a Legal Entity
The legal mumbo jumbo on the email is just a trick to make recipients believe Trademark Echo 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.
Recently Registered Website
Trademarkecho.com was actually registered on December 2023. Within that short time, it’s impossible to have provided trademark solutions to thousands of businesses.
Fake Business Address
Trademark Echo is using the address of a popular place ‘300 S Grand Ave, Suite 302 Los Angeles, CA 90071,’ to trick people. The only attorney located there is a Schreck Personal Inury Lawyers.
How To Protect Yourself From The Trademark Echo 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 Trademark Echo Scam?
If you’ve received the Trademark Echo 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
Trademark Echo 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/
