New Delhi, October 17, 2024 – The Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (CGPDTM) has issued a public notice cautioning applicants about a concerning rise in fraudulent activities. Fraudsters are reportedly harvesting data from the CGPDTM’s official website and reaching out to applicants via phone calls and emails, falsely claiming they can secure approval for their IP applications in exchange for money.

The notice, signed by Professor (Dr.) Unnat P. Pandit, Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks and Registrar of Copyrights and Geographical Indications, urges stakeholders to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to these deceptive activities. The office emphasized that all IP applications—including patents, trademarks, geographical indications, and copyrights—are processed strictly in accordance with the law, assuring the public that there is zero tolerance for unethical practices

The CGPDTM encourages stakeholders to report any fraudulent claims directly to their office, reiterating legal action will be taken against individuals involved in such schemes. This warning arises from an uptick in reports of fraudsters targeting vulnerable IP applicants, particularly those new to the process, by making false promises of expedited approval. Applicants are urged to rely exclusively on official communication from the CGPDTM and to avoid making any payments outside of legitimate fees specified by the office. For more information, stakeholders can visit the CGPDTM website or contact their official helpdesk. Legal action against fraudulent actors will be pursued to maintain the integrity of the registration process.