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Complaint Details

Note that complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. See details.

Initial Complaint
10/04/2023
Complaint Type:
Billing Issues
Status:
Answered
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
We are a small company with a patent. We received an invoice early this year stating it would expire if we didn't pay maintenance fees of $2,950.00 from the Patent Trademark Bureau. Documents attached. We now received a notice stating we are late on our fees and owe $1,650.00 to the ****** I called them and they indicated nobody has paid them any fees for the maintenance. This is a SCAM and they have a Website. I called the number and they said all operators were busy and to send an email which I did. We now have to pay an additional $1,650.00 to the ***** to keep our patent.
Business response
10/10/2023
Dear Sir/*****,
Thank you for contacting us. We would like to inform you that the payment was received for the invoice ***** for Patent renewal.
The Patent ******* has been renewed successfully; therefore, there is no need to pay anything extra. We have delivered our services successfully.
In case of any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Best Regards,
Initial Complaint
06/30/2023
Complaint Type:
Delivery Issues
Status:
Unanswered
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
We believe this is a fraudulent charge. We received an invoice for Patent Number: ********, Application Number: ******** and paid the invoice with check #****** on 12/19/2022.We received a payment confirmation email from the following email address on 1/24/2023: ********************** Receipt No. RCPT-**** Patent & Trademark Bureau ********************************************** Huntingdon Valley, PA ******* Phone: ************ List email: [email protected]
Initial Complaint
06/16/2023
Complaint Type:
Product Issues
Status:
Answered
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
On november 9th 2022 we received an invoice #***** by *********** the Patent renewal *******. We provide a payment on december 6, 2022. Our record shows that we have no patent. Do you think you can refund us. Do not hesitate to contact me
Business response
06/26/2023
Dear Sir/Madam,
Thank you for contacting us. We would like to inform you that we have renewed the Patent and we successfully delivered the service as promised.
In case of any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Thank you,
Customer response
06/26/2023
[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed as Answered]

Complaint: ********

I am rejecting this response because: The patent is not our so we should have not received any invoices from *********** **** it should have been invoices to the real owner of the patent.
So I am asking for a refund
Regards,

*************************
Business response
06/29/2023
Dear Sir/Madam
Thank you for your reply. We would like to inform you that the reminder was sent to the resgistered address of the Patent, and we received the signed consent back. Then only we issued the invoice and sent to the same address.
The invoice was received and paid by you with good intensions.
Consequently, we renewed the Patent upon reciving the payment. However, as a courtesy, we can refund only $500. If you agree, please provide the correct mailling address and phone in order to proceed further.
We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Thank you,
Customer response
06/29/2023
[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed as Answered]

Complaint: ********

I am rejecting this response because:
We need to have a proof that our name is on the patent and the period it was renewed (Certificat or other original document).
You can send that to **********************
If you can't provide those information we are asking for the refund of the full amount.
Regards,

*************************
************ ***
Business response
07/03/2023
Dear Sir/Madam,

Thank you for your reply. We would like to infrom you that the mentioned Patent belongs to your company. That is why, your company signed the renewal reminder and send back to us, and paid for the serivce.

The Patent & Trademark Bureau renewed the Patent and delivered the serivces successfully. The proof that the Patent is renewed can be found in the attachment.

The proof of the ownership of the Patent can be confirmed on your company's website. The name on the reminder form and invoice belongs to your company.
****************************************
********************************************************************************************
Fondé en 1983 sous le nom « ****** ********** ** *********** ******** », ****** est un organisme à but non lucratif reconnu comme centre collégial de transfert de technologie, lié au ***** ** ** *********. Son équipe multidisciplinaire complète efficacement les expertises de ses partenaires industriels, travaillant avec ceux-ci à l’amélioration de leur compétitivité.
In case of any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Thank you,
Customer response
07/05/2023
[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed as Answered]

Complaint: ********

I am rejecting this response because:
Thank you for this document but I do not see our company name on the document that you sent. Do you have any recent document that you can provide us. Like the last statement that we paid 3 100$ US and the patent documents please. At the mean time I will show the document attached to my superior.

Regards,

*************************
Business response
07/05/2023
Dear Sir/Madam,

Thank you for your response. We would like to inform you that the "****** ********** ** *********** ******** ** ******" is also known as "********* ******". You may confirm it with your supervisor.

It is clearly mention on your website in about us page that the founding name of your company is "****** ********** ** *********** ******** ** ******" . Please check, and the patent that was renewed by us belongs to your company. *****************************************
In case of any questions, plesae feel free to write us back.
Thank you,
Customer response
07/18/2023

Complaint: ********

I am rejecting this response because:
However, nothing is solved in this matter. Considering the person who dealt with it in the last weeks is currently on vacation, I will step in to try to bring this to a conclusion.

I would like the following answer to be transmitted to Patent Trademark Bureau.

“ Patent US ******* is not owned by ****** ********** ** *********** ******** ** ******, which is ******’s former name as you already noticed.

This patent’s sole owner is **** ****, as clearly stated by USPTO. Our name appears on the patent because one of the inventors was working for us. The attached document shows the IP cession chain that makes **** **** the sole owner of the IP.

Consequently, it would be impossible for your organization to renew patent ******* in our name since we do not own this patent. Therefore, we can only conclude that there was either a mistake or a mischievous act from your personnel. In either case, we request that you quickly refund the amount of 3 100 $US that was sent by ****** to your organization on December 6, 2022 following your misleading communication including invoice *****.

Please proceed with refund before July 25.”

Regards,

******** *****
Customer response
07/31/2023
The file is not closed. I was in vacation so could not respond to you.
Plese find the answer that nned to be send in order to resolved this issue.
“ Patent US ******* is not owned by ****** ********** ** *********** ******** ** ******, which is ******’s former name as you already noticed.
This patent’s sole owner is Tole Inox, as clearly stated by USPTO. Our name appears on the patent because one of the inventors was working for us. The attached document shows the IP cession chain that makes **** **** the sole owner of the IP.
Consequently, it would be impossible for your organization to renew patent 9161558 in our name since we do not own this patent. Therefore, we can only conclude that there was either a mistake or a mischievous act from your personnel. In either case, we request that you quickly refund the amount of 3 100 $US that was sent by ****** to your organization on December 6, 2022 following your misleading communication including invoice *****.
Please proceed with refund before July 25.”
Business response
08/16/2023
Dear Sir/Madam,
Thank you for contacting us. We would like to inform you that as we already renewed the Patent, and still we can refund the $500 amount. If we are agreeing on this conclusion. PLease provide the correct mailing address and phone number in order to initate the refund of $500.
We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Thank you
Initial Complaint
05/06/2023
Complaint Type:
Product Issues
Status:
Resolved
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
We received a letter last July from the Patent & Trademark Bureau at 2058 County Line Road #113 Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006 stating that our trademark was about to expire. In order to renew our ************ trademark for another 5 years, we were to send a renewal fee of $1250.00. We sent the check which was cashed on July 19,2022. This week we received an identical letter making the exact claim. Clearly, this is a fraudulent business, because if it weren't, we should be "covered" for the next 5 years. This company needs to be investigated. Please confirm that our trademark was indeed renewed, or please assist us in getting our money back.
Business response
05/30/2023
Dear Sir/*****,
Thank you for contacting us. We would like to inform you that the payment was received successfully.
However, we are ready to refund the amount for the invoice *****, Please provide the phone number and correct mailing address in order to process the refund.
We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours sincerely,
Customer response
06/01/2023
[A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response. If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

Better Business Bureau:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
My phone number is ************ and my mailing address as requested is *********************, Missoula, Montana ************

Regards,

***************************
Initial Complaint
04/24/2023
Complaint Type:
Product Issues
Status:
Answered
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
I received renewal information from Patent and Trademark Bureau and I sent back the form, thinking that it was from the official government office. It is not. I received an invoice for $1900, which I paid by check. Before the check cleared, I received an email with wording that seemed not quite right. I visited the website, which is a .com, not a .gov. Again, it felt not quite right. After a few minutes of review, this is clearly a private company.If this isn't a scam, it's definitely misleading. I stopped payment on my check and will be renewing my trademark through the official office.
Business response
04/26/2023
Dear Sir/*****,
Thank you for contacting us. We would like to inform you that it i clearly mentioned in the letters that this is a private company. However, please provide the invoice number in order to cancel it.
We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Thank you,
Initial Complaint
03/06/2023
Complaint Type:
Product Issues
Status:
Unanswered
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
On May 8, 2022 my business received a notice from the Patent & Trademark Bureau, saying that our trademark was due to renew. It had the registration number and serial number or our trademark with a picture of it prominently displayed on the notice. On June 3, 2022 I submitted a check for $925 to this company. Check # **** which was cashed on June 21, 2022. I have now come to understand that this company is not endorsed by the US government and is a scam and that the only organization that should contact you regarding your trademark is the ****** who is still showing our renewal outstanding and coming due in 2023. There are several other claims stating the same thing regarding this company.
Initial Complaint
02/17/2023
Complaint Type:
Product Issues
Status:
Unanswered
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
We received a notice that one of our company trademarks was about to expire and we needed to pay $925 to renew the trademark. We paid the invoice and received a receipt from the company. We recently found out that Patent & Trademark Bureau never completed the trademark renewal and our trademark expired (even though they cashed our check on 12/2/2020). We now have to pay attorney fees and additional filing fees to go through the entire trademark process again. I contacted the company 3 times. They responded to the first email sent on 2/3/23 saying they would look into it and then never responded to my follow up emails on 2/9/23 and 2/15/23.
Initial Complaint
02/03/2023
Complaint Type:
Product Issues
Status:
Answered
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
On November 30, 2022 I sent a check for $1,900.00 to have Patent and Trademark Bureau renew my patent for a period of four years - as they stated they would. They cashed my check and did not renew my patent. They do not answer the phone or respond to emails.The actual renewal fee of $752 is due March 29, 2023 - none of the $1900 I sent to Patent and Trademark Bureau has been applied to my patent fee.
Business response
03/06/2023
Dear Sir/*****,
Thank you for contacting us. We would like to inform you that we are ready to refund the amount. Please provide the correct mailing address and phone number in order process the refund.
We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Thank you,
Initial Complaint
02/01/2023
Complaint Type:
Service or Repair Issues
Status:
Answered
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
This business mails notices to companies, informing them that their trademark is about to expire. They request money be sent to them to extend the trademark. It is only in the fine print where they say that they are "not endorsed by the US government." Their goal is to trick businesses into thinking this is a legitimate trademark renewal. Fortunately, I took the time to investigate the bill, but I'm sure many business will pay it without looking into it.
Business response
02/02/2023
Dear Sir/Madam,

Thank you for contacting us. We would like to inform you that the Patent & Trademark Bureau is a private company that is clearly mentioned in the letter; However, we will cancel the invoice for ****************************
Please provide the trademark registration number for reference.
We look forward to hearing you soon.
Thank you,
Initial Complaint
09/13/2022
Complaint Type:
Product Issues
Status:
Answered
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
The check # **** on $1,900 to Patent Trademark Bureau was cashed on November 3, 2021. We have not received any service for this payment. I found out that this was a fraud after the US Government contacted us couple of days ago with the notification to renew our trademark. We request a refund. Please do not post on-line any personal information.
Business response
11/04/2022
Thank you for contacting us. We would like to inform you that we are ready to refund the whole amount in order to settle the case.

Please provide the correct mailing address and phone number in order to initiate the refund.

We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Customer response
11/04/2022
[A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response. If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

Better Business Bureau:

This is in reference to complaint ID ********. To issue a refund check, the Patent Trademark Bureau requested our address and phone number.
Our mailing address is:

******* ****
**** ***** ***
Troy, MI *****
phone #: ********
A refund check to Pay to the Order of: ******* ***
The refund amount: $1,900
Regards,
****** *******
Customer response
01/12/2023

Complaint: ********

I am rejecting this response because:

Better Business Bureau:

This is in reference to complaint ID ********. To issue a refund check, the Patent Trademark Bureau requested our address and phone number.
Our mailing address is:
******* ****
**** ***** ***
Troy, MI *****
phone #: ********
A refund check to Pay to the Order of: ******* ***
The refund amount: $1,900
Regards,

****** *******
Regards,

****** *******
Business response
02/02/2023
Dear Sir/Madam,
Thank you for contacting us. We would like to inform you that we are ready to refund the amount. Please provide us the correct mailing address and phone number in order to initiate the refund process.
We look forward to hearing from soon.
Thank you,
Customer response
02/02/2023
[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed as Answered]

Complaint: ********

I am rejecting this response because:
Our mailing address to issue a refund check on $1,900 has been sent to you several times. Again, our mailing address is:
******* ****
**** ***** ***
Troy, MI *****
phone #: ************
Please make a refund check payable to ******* ****
This morning, I emailed to your email [email protected], the following:
I submitted a complain to BBB of Metro Washington DC and Eastern Pennsylvania (Complaint ID #: ********) and reported the fraud to FBI about $1,900 you cashed for “filing” trademark for ******* ***. A paperwork you sent was a fraud which I did not recognize at the time of sending you a check. Please see the attachments.

You responded to BBB of Metro Washington DC and Eastern Pennsylvania that your company is ready to refund the whole amount in order to settle the case. You requested the correct mailing address in order to initiate the refund.
We have responded to your request and emailed our address to send the check to:

******* ***.
**** ***** ***
Troy, Mi *****

Phone #: ************
We have not received any refund check from you.
Please note we have contacted the fraud department of our bank – ***** bank. ***** fraud department is following this case with your bank.

If we don’t hear from you within a week, we’ll contact Michigan Bureau of Consumer Protection and Michigan Attorney General for their assistance.

When can we expect to receive the refund check on $1.900?
Regards,

****** *******
Business response
02/16/2023
We would like to inform you that the refund check is ready and it will be sent out by regular mail on wednesday ( Feb. 15, 2023).
Customer response
02/22/2023
[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed as Answered]

Complaint: ********

I am rejecting this response because:
Please note that as of 2/22/2023 , we have NOT received the refund check. I understand that you mentioned to wait 10 days.
Would it be possible to please contact the company and ask them if they mailed the check. Thank you very much for your involvement.
Regards,

****** *******
Business response
03/06/2023
Thank you for contacting us. We would like to inform you that the refund check was sent to the consumer.

In case of any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Best Regards
Patent Trademark Bureau
Tel/Fax: *** *** ****
Customer response
03/07/2023
[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed as Answered]

Complaint: ********

I am rejecting this response because:
As of March 7, 2023, we have not received a refund check. They claimed that they have mailed a check with the regular mail on February 15, 2023.

Regards,

****** *******
Business response
03/08/2023
Dear Sir/Madam,
Thank you for contacting us. We would like to inform you that the refund check was sent out by regular mail. It should be delivered anytime soon. Please allow sometime to the mail to be delivered.
Thank you,

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