Overseas company, TM Publisher has been sending invoices to New Zealand businesses offering to publish their trade mark applications/registrations in a 'directory' for $1,638. The directory is fictitious and the Commerce Commission has been investigating this practice (see the Commission's media release here >>).
If you have paid an invoice from TM Publisher since 6 April 2016 you may be entitled to a refund. You will need to inform the Commerce Commission, as they may chase the refund on your behalf.
TM Publisher are just one of a number of parties sending out such invoices or offering unsolicited services to intellectual property owners. As a general rule, if we act for you in intellectual property matters we suggest you treat any related invoices from other parties with suspicion.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
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