On 21 May 2026, the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) and Companies House jointly issued a warning, urging businesses to be vigilant about misleading requests for payment sent by organisations not affiliated with government.

Background

These requests typically take the form of invoices for purported Companies House or IPO services. They are usually posted to a company's registered office address, but can also be sent by email.

Key Points

Such invoices often demand payment at a highly inflated price for services that are available at a much lower fee, or free of charge, directly from legitimate sources: Companies House, IP attorneys or the IPO. Common asks include payment to set up or claim a Companies House online account, to authenticate an account or verify details, or to renew a trade mark or add it to a so-called 'exclusive online register'.

To check authenticity: verify any website addresses and email addresses from generic domains — official services are provided through GOV.UK; look for disclaimers stating the organisation is not affiliated with government; and contact the office directly before paying.

Practical Implications

Rights holders with trade marks or companies in the UK should treat such invoices with caution and verify through official channels before paying. Suspicious requests can be reported to the IPO at misleadinginvoices@ipo.gov.uk. Legitimate fees for a third-party representative you have chosen to engage are a separate matter.

Source: UK Intellectual Property Office (original)