WIPO warns against cases of receiving misleading Madrid System fee requests
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) informs of cases of letters sent by a number of private business establishments to the holders of international registrations, inviting them to pay fees for publishing their marks in publications which appear to be of an official nature, recording them in business directories or similar activities. Some of these organizations use signs similar to the WIPO logo or name, thereby misleading the public as to their source.
WIPO advises users that such activities have no legal effect under the Madrid System. All international trademark registrations and related records are published in the "WIPO Gazette of International Marks", the only official publication of the Madrid System. All fees payable under the Madrid System are to be paid to the International Bureau directly in Swiss Francs or through the Office of Origin.
To report cases of receiving misleading invoices, please contact WIPO through Contact Madrid (select: a trademark holder or representative => ask a question => a payment => a suspected misleading invoice) and attach a copy of the received document.
