It is not uncommon for scammers or sketchy businesses to e-mail or mail trademark owners and say something along the lines of: We wish to inform you of a potential trademark registration concerning the brand name [fill in your business or trademark here]. During our extensive search, we discovered your business uses this brand name.” They usually claim that you haven’t registered your trademark, regardless of whether you have or not. Then comes the pressure: “Time is of the essence”. “ Failure to register your trademark may result in loss of your trademark rights and my result in them [the other party] acquiring federal rights, potentially leading to repercussions for your continued use of the name . . .” They may cite the Lanham Act and warn you if the parade of horribles that will come to pass should you not “take action.” They claim you may be sued for infringement and that you may end up owing damages. Then they ask you to contact them to secure your rights in the trademark. They may even state that if you don’t act fast that they’ll continue to represent the other party and help them obtain the mark., Pause here. Beware. These letters are common and usually (mostly, possibly always) come from shady characters who want your money, not your business. If you get a letter like this, feel free to contact me. I always look at these letters for free.