Philippine IP Office Alerts Public to Trademark Scam Linked to UK-Based Crown Mark

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has issued an official warning to businesses and trademark owners regarding a fraudulent trademark registration scheme linked to a United Kingdom-based entity called Crown Mark.

According to IPOPHL, representatives of Crown Mark have been contacting Philippine businesses, alleging that a third party intends to register their brand names as trademarks. These communications urge recipients to file trademark applications promptly with the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) to preempt the supposed competing applicant. Crown Mark offers to facilitate this registration process.

IPOPHL highlighted that Crown Mark’s website misleadingly lists the Philippine IP office alongside the intellectual property offices of the United Kingdom, Australia, and the European Union as its partner organizations. This representation is false and unauthorized.

The Philippine agency clarified that it maintains no official relationship or partnership with any entity operating under the Crown Mark name, whether in the UK or elsewhere.

Further, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), which oversees solicitors in England and Wales, confirmed that it does not recognize or authorize any firm named Crown Mark.

In light of these findings, IPOPHL strongly urged businesses, trademark owners, and the general public to exercise vigilance when receiving unsolicited communications related to trademark registration.

The agency advised recipients of suspicious emails or messages to avoid clicking on links, downloading attachments, responding to senders, or making any payments. It emphasized the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any organization claiming to represent an intellectual property office before taking any action.

IPOPHL also encouraged the public to report any suspicious activities or communications concerning intellectual property administration through its official social media channels, customer support email, or hotline.

This alert comes amid ongoing efforts to protect Philippine businesses and the creative sector, which contributes approximately 7.8% to the country’s GDP, from fraudulent schemes that could undermine intellectual property rights and commercialization.

The agency’s vigilance is part of broader initiatives, including hosting the first ASEAN Geographical Indications forum in Iloilo, aimed at strengthening IP enforcement and awareness in the region.

Businesses and trademark owners are reminded to remain cautious and consult official IPOPHL resources or authorized legal counsel when navigating trademark registration processes, especially when approached by unfamiliar entities claiming to offer expedited services or partnerships.

IPOPHL’s proactive communication underscores the importance of safeguarding intellectual property assets against scams that exploit the complexities of international trademark registration.

For further information or to report suspicious trademark-related solicitations, stakeholders may contact IPOPHL directly through their verified communication channels.