Beware of fake invoices!
Unscrupulous companies regularly send out invoices and payment requests for patents, trademarks, and designs that look deceptively genuine. These fake invoices demand fees for registrations or renewals – and they appear to be official government mail.
One thing is clear: These companies have absolutely no connection to the Austrian Patent Office, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), or other national patent offices. An entry in such a private register does not confer any intellectual property rights – legal protection is provided only by the official register of the competent government authorities.
How can I recognize a misleading invoice?
Look for the following characteristics:
- a bank account that cannot be traced to any government body – you always pay official fees to the accounts of the relevant authority, e.g., the account of the Austrian Patent Office (IBAN AT75 0100 0000 0516 0000)
- missing or incorrect address information (Austrian Patent Office: Dresdner Strasse 87, 1200 Vienna, Austria)
- a website without an imprint
- explicit references to a private registry
What should you do if you receive a fake invoice?
First things first: DO NOT PAY UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES!
In addition, we recommend:
- Do not open any attachments – they may contain malware
- If necessary, contact your legal representative (patent attorney, attorney-at-law, or notary)
- Inform your colleagues at your company – often, more persons than one are affected
- Please send us a copy of the letter – using the form below or by email to: info[at]patentamt.at
- If necessary, contact consumer protection organizations or seek legal advice
