WTMR Trademark Scam Warning: Beware of World Trademark Register Solicitations

Trademark owners should beware of solicitations from WTMR, LLC and the World Trademark Register. A client received a “WTMR 2022 OFFER” requesting $980 and listing a P.O. Box in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The World Trademark Register is not an official trademark database or government registry, and paying to appear in such a directory provides no meaningful trademark protection. Always read unsolicited trademark notices carefully before paying.

WTMR Trademark Scam Continues With a Fort Lauderdale Address

It had been a little while since I had seen a solicitation from WTMR, LLC, but a client recently forwarded another one to me.

The letter, labeled “WTMR 2022 OFFER,” requested a payment of $980 and listed the following address:

WTMR, LLC
P.O. Box 22546
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33335-2546

Trademark owners should not confuse this solicitation with an official notice from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

The services being offered provide no meaningful protection for your trademark registration, and paying $980 to appear in this directory provides no meaningful trademark benefit.

WTMR Has Used Different Addresses Over the Years

This is not the first time I have warned trademark owners about solicitations from WTMR.

The address associated with these mailings has changed multiple times over the years.

For examples of earlier WTMR solicitations, see:

• 2018: Beware of scam from WTMR – World Trademark Register
• 2021: Beware of latest trademark scam from WTMR, LLC

The changing addresses are another reason trademark owners should carefully investigate any unsolicited trademark invoice or offer before sending payment.

What Is the World Trademark Register?

Despite its official-sounding name, the World Trademark Register is not an official government trademark registry or database.

According to language previously published on its own website, its primary business activity is publishing an annual, unofficial international catalog of registered trademarks.

That is very different from registering, maintaining, monitoring, or protecting a trademark through the USPTO or another official trademark office.

Simply appearing in a privately published trademark directory does not provide additional federal trademark rights or strengthen your USPTO registration.

Is the World Trademark Register Worth $980?

I have never encountered a trademark attorney who relies on directories like the World Trademark Register when conducting trademark searches or who recommends that clients pay hundreds of dollars to be listed in one.

Trademark professionals have access to official trademark databases and other established search tools when researching trademark applications and registrations.

Paying $980 to WTMR does not renew your federal trademark registration, maintain your USPTO registration, or provide additional trademark rights.

Do not mistake the WTMR solicitation for a required trademark fee.

Why Do Trademark Owners Receive These Solicitations?

Trademark application and registration information is publicly available. Companies can obtain information about trademark owners and use it to send offers for directories, monitoring services, renewals, publications, and other products.

The resulting mailings can sometimes contain official-looking information, including:

• Trademark names
• Registration or application numbers
• Owner information
• Filing details
• Official-sounding company names
• Payment amounts and deadlines

The presence of accurate information about your trademark does not mean that a mailing came from the USPTO or that the requested payment is required.

How to Spot a Trademark Scam or Misleading Solicitation

If you receive an unexpected trademark invoice, renewal notice, or directory offer, check it carefully before paying.

Look at who sent the notice, whether the company is affiliated with the USPTO, exactly what service is being offered, and whether the payment is actually required to maintain your trademark rights.

Be especially cautious when a mailing uses an official-sounding name or asks for a substantial payment to publish your trademark in a private database or directory.

When in doubt, contact your trademark attorney before paying.

What Should You Do With a Suspicious Trademark Notice?

If you receive a suspicious trademark solicitation:

• Read the fine print. Determine exactly what you are being asked to purchase.
• Verify the sender. Do not assume a notice is from the USPTO because it contains your trademark information.
• Check your actual trademark deadlines. Compare the notice with official USPTO records.
• Do not pay immediately. Verify that the service is necessary before sending money.
• Contact your trademark attorney. An attorney familiar with your registration can determine whether action is actually required.
• Report deceptive solicitations. Trademark-related scams and misleading notices can be reported to the FTC and USPTO.

Beware of WTMR and Other Trademark Solicitation Scams

Trademark owners should remain vigilant. WTMR and World Trademark Register solicitations are not official USPTO notices, and a listing in a private trademark directory is not necessary to protect or maintain a federal trademark registration.

If you receive a WTMR letter requesting $980, don’t assume that you owe the money simply because the document contains information about your trademark.

Read the fine print. Verify the sender. Contact your attorney. And report suspicious trademark solicitations to the FTC and USPTO.

More Resources on Trademark Scams

For additional information about identifying and avoiding trademark scams:

• • How to Avoid Being Taken by a Trademark Scam
  • Is This A Trademark Scam?®
  • Decision Tree: Is This A Trademark Scam?