Two New Nightmares for Companies: The "Your Patent is at Risk" Lie and Fake Law Firm Scams

In the digitalized business world, cybersecurity threats continue to evolve. Traditional phishing attacks have given way to targeted fraud methods (spear-phishing and vishing) that directly target corporate identity, brand reputation, and intellectual property rights. A new wave of fraud that has recently caught our CYBERLOCK radar is causing significant financial losses for businesses.

How Does the "We're Calling From This Law Firm..." Trap Work?

Cybercriminals first gather information about the target company's existing trademarks, patents, and authorized names by conducting open-source intelligence (OSINT).

Then, using formal language, they follow these steps:

• False Formality and Legal Threat: Fraudsters contact company officials using the name of a reputable and real (or very similar in name) law firm, trademark agency, or official institution.

• Fear and Sense of Urgency (Social Engineering): Company officials are presented with unfounded claims requiring urgent intervention, such as, "Your trademark/patent registration is about to expire," "There is a lawsuit/decision against you," "A third party has challenged your patent," or "You have been sued for infringing another company's patent."

• Request for Money or a Link for a Solution: The panicked victim is offered a supposed "settlement" or "processing fee." They say, "If you urgently send us this amount for court fees/consulting fees to this IBAN, we can resolve this issue without going to court." Sometimes, instead of money, the scammers trick the victim into downloading ransomware or spyware by saying, "You can access the lawsuit file or patent challenge petition via this link."

Why Are They So Effective?

This method has a very high success rate because scammers directly target human psychology and corporate anxieties. Companies can momentarily lose their ability to think rationally out of fear of losing brands or patents they've worked on for years. Furthermore, the skillful use of legal terminology by those communicating and their prior knowledge of the company increases the credibility of the fraud.

How to Protect Your Organization from This Fraud? A Critical Cybersecurity Guide for Companies

Here are the essential steps you should take to protect your organization from these types of fake law firm and patent scams:

1. Don't Get Urgent (Panic Management)
   The biggest weapon of fraudsters is the lie of "time constraints." Official institutions or real law firms don't expect you to transfer money within minutes via phone or email. If you receive a call asking for urgent money or passwords, it's 99% likely a scam attempt. Take a deep breath and stop the process.

2. Confirm Claims Through Official Channels
   If you are told there is a problem with your patent or trademark, do not give the caller any information. Hang up the phone and check the situation through the official website of TURKPATENT (Turkish Patent and Trademark Office) or via e-Government using your own password. If there is indeed an objection or lawsuit, this will appear in the official systems.

3. Independently Verify the Calling Agency
   Do not return calls to numbers in emails or phone calls you receive. If they say they are calling from X Law Firm, open your internet browser, find the real and official contact information of that law firm, and call their switchboard yourself. State that you want to confirm the situation.

4. Do Not Click on Links or Download Files (Phishing Protection)
   Links or PDF/Word-like files that come with messages such as "Case details are attached" or "Click to download the infringement report" most likely contain malware. Never click on attachments that could lead to your company network being compromised. If necessary, forward the email directly to your company's IT or Cybersecurity department.

5. In-House Training and Awareness
   These types of attacks are directly aimed at employees (especially accounting, human resources, or senior management). Provide regular cybersecurity training to all your personnel on social engineering and corporate spear-phishing tactics. Building a security culture is more effective than even the most expensive security software.

6. Stay in Contact with Your Own Trademark Agent
   If your company has an official consultant or trademark agent handling its trademark and patent processes, immediately forward such suspicious notifications to your agent.

CYBERLOCK Security Alert: Your data, brand, and reputation are your most valuable assets. Questioning every suspicious situation is the first rule of cybersecurity. No official institution will ever ask you for cryptocurrency, wire transfer, or credit card information over the phone. Are you at risk in terms of corporate security? You can contact SİBERLOCK experts for your corporate analysis. [You can contact SİBERLOCK experts]