The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through its Office of the Controller General Patents, Designs & Trademarks, has released a alerting stakeholders against fraudsters. The notice said fraudsters were collecting data about IP applications and seeking undue payments from applicants on the promise of a successful acceptance.
The alert was directed at all IP applicants in sectors such as patents, trademarks, designs, geographical indications, copyright, etc.
The notice reminded stakeholders that all IP applications are processed under the law and the authority will not tolerate fraudulent behaviour. The office also warned that it would take appropriate remedial action, including legal action, against such fraudsters.
The office encouraged the reporting of any incident of fraudulent activity.
