Trademark Pearl Scam Trademark Infringement Email: A Disguised Scam

Beware! Trademark Pearl located at trademarkpearl.com is among a chain of dubious Trademark registration websites. The scammers pretend to be Eric James (a paralegal officer) and send unsolicited emails that says someone else intends to file an application for your trademark with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO)

This article sheds a light on how the Trademark Pearl scam works, red flags to watch out for, what to do about this email, and how to avoid trademark scams.

Exposing The Trademark Pearl Scam

The Trademark Pearl scam is orchestrated by scammers pretending to be Eric James from 610 s broadway los angeles ca 90014. The aim of the Trademark Pearl scam is to coerce people into paying for fake legal services. The scammers do this by sending frightening emails about trademark infringements.

Recipients are directed to immediately respond to the email via phone call -+1 (925) 488 1965, or through the website trademarkpeark.com.

The scammers have set up an official looking website ‘trademarkpearl.com’ which is actually a front for their fraudulent schemes. They claim to offer the services – Trademark Registration, Trademark Comprehensive, Copyright Registration and Trademark Monitoring. However, there’s more to what meet the eyes. Behind the well designed website, an ongoing scam looms.

How The Trademark Pearl Scam Work

The scam starts with an email that has a false sense of urgency. Recipients are told that their brand name or trademark is not registered with the USPTO, hence someone intends to file an application for the trademark.

Once the victim falls for the trick and contact Trademark Pearl, 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 shutting down the website and ceasing communication with clients .

Warning Signs of Trademark Pearl Scam

It’s Among a Chain of Trademark Scam Websites

Trademarkpearl.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 Pearl uses the name of reputable attorneys eg; ‘Eric James’ to trick recipients. However, 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 email is written in such a way that makes recipient believe Trademark Pearl is a legal entity, however this is misrepresentation. On the website’s about us page, they state they’re not a law firm. This means there’s no real applicant intending to use the aforementioned trademark.

Recently Registered Website

For a business that claimed to have provided trademark solutions to thousands of businesses, it’s surprising that they’ve only been operating for a short while (December 2023). How could they’ve catered for a thousand clients in a short time?

Fake Business Address

Trademarkpearl.com is using the address of a popular place ‘1800 Sutter St #375 Concord, CA 94520,’ to trick people. The only attorney located there is an Uber & Lyft Accident partner and attorney.

How To Protect Yourself From The Trademark Pearl 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.

Report the Scam To Relevant Authorities

If you’ve received the Trademark Pearl scam email and/or you’ve fallen victim to the scam, it’s very important to report the scam to the relevant authorities. By so doing, you create an awareness of the scam and also help mitigate it by stopping the spread.

The first step to take is contacting your local law enforcement agency. Provide them with all the details regarding the scam, including any emails, telephone numbers, or communication you have received.

You should also report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through their online complaint assistant via  ReportFraud.ftc.gov or Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Meanwhile, you can also help others by reporting these fraudulent registration websites to relevant authorities such as the USPTO helpdesk. This would enable them issue a warning to the public about the ongoing scam.

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.
• Search online reviews and the Better Business Bureau for complaints before engaging any registration company.
• Verify licenses to ensure your service provider is a real law firm and attorney licensed to practice.
• Ask detailed questions about their registration process, fees, and what specific services are included.
•  Get everything in writing such as service agreements, scope of work, and fee breakdowns.
• Use payment methods that allow chargebacks like credit cards in case services aren’t rendered.

Conclusion

Trademark Pearl 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!