Recognizing and Avoiding Trademark Scams and Hoaxes with Jason Lott of the USPTO

IP Goes Pop

Trademark scams are on the rise, threatening businesses with costly setbacks and legal risks. Hosts Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue are joined Jason Lott, Managing Attorney for Trademark Customer Outreach at the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), to expose the deceptive tactics scammers use and provide practical tips to safeguard your intellectual property.

From misleading solicitations and fake invoices to fraudulent renewal notices, this episode unpacks scams at every stage of the trademark process—before filing, during application prosecution, and post-registration. Jason shares real-world examples, red flags to watch for, and actionable steps to protect your trademarks.

With expert insights and USPTO resources at your disposal, you’ll learn how to defend your brand against bad actors, navigate the trademark process confidently, and avoid falling victim to costly scams.

For full show notes and to explore more episodes, please visit www.vklaw.com/newsroom-podcasts.

USPTO Resources to Protect Yourself and Your Business from Trademark Scams:

• Trademark Application Process: learn the steps involved and the timeline required for attaining trademark protections to avoid being duped.

• USPTO Recognizing Common Scams: explore the most common scamming tactics and what to be vigilant for throughout the process.

• USPTO - Misleading Solicitations: USPTO’s updated list of known fraudulent solicitations.

• USPTO fee schedule: understand the fees associated with the legitimate trademark process.

• USPTO Trademark Assistance Center (TAC): get support for trademark-related queries and verification.

• USPTO - Trademark Protection: webinars and guides on recognizing and reporting scams.

USPTO Subscription Center: subscribe to stay updated, on news, and resources from the USPTO.

Key Moments & Quick Links:

(1:06) Introduction to Trademark Scams and Hoaxes & Guest Introduction

(4:17) Movies About Scams and Deception

(9:30) Trademark Scams Overview: Before, During, and After Registration

(10:25) Pre- Trademark Application Scams

• USPTO.gov

(14:26) Sophistication of Scams

(19:03) Unauthorized Practice of Law

• Trademark Application Process

(23:47) Trademark Scams During Trademark Application Prosecution

• USPTO Official Payment Platform

(31:18) Post-Registration Trademark Scams

• USPTO - Misleading Solicitations

(36:05) USPTO Resources for Recognizing and Avoiding IP Scams

• FCC on Spoofed Phone Calls

• USPTO fee schedule

• USPTO Trademark Assistance Center (TAC)

• USPTO - Trademark Protection

(38:14) Final Thoughts