Scammers Are Targeting IP Owners: What You Need to Know (and How to Stay Safe)

Fake invoices. Phishing emails. Official-looking documents that aren’t so official. A new report from Europol and the EUIPO reveals that IP rightsholders across Europe are being targeted more than ever by increasingly sophisticated fraudsters. Here’s what’s going on—and how to protect yourself.

In a world where your IP application data is publicly accessible, scammers are cashing in. The 2024 Europol report—funded by the EUIPO—shows that bad actors are using tools like email spoofing, phishing, and even fake certificates to mimic real IP offices and convince rightsholders to pay fake invoices. Their methods aren’t clumsy; they’re calculated, using AI and public databases to identify vulnerable victims. The average scam? €1,500. The annual haul? Over €26 million.

Fraudsters aren’t just sliding into inboxes—they’re still hitting mailboxes too. While emails have seen a major spike since early 2023, old-school post remains their go-to for initial contact. These scams often look eerily legit, featuring forged logos and links to copycat websites. And they’re not just small-time cons—these networks are expanding globally and using their profits to become even harder to trace.

The EUIPO is fighting back alongside Europol and national agencies, and thanks to landmark rulings in Sweden and Germany, misleading payment requests are now officially classified as fraud. But you’re the first line of defense. Always double-check payment details—EUIPO only uses two official bank accounts in Spain (Caixa Bank and Santander). When in doubt, don’t pay. Instead, visit the EUIPO’s anti-scam page for verified info and to report anything sketchy.

Our legal team helps businesses and creators navigate the IP system safely—and spot fraud before it hits your inbox. Contact us to learn how we can support you!

Text: ‘Europol and EUIPO Reveal Updated Situation Report on Misleading Invoices’. EUIPO, https://www.euipo.europa.eu/en/news/europol-and-euipo-reveal-updated-situation-report-on-misleading-invoices. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Photo: 'A Man in Black Sweater Holding Letter Board with Fraud Text' by Tima Miroshnichenko: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-man-in-black-sweater-holding-letter-board-with-fraud-text-6266311/