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Chamber of Commerce or Chamber of Customers, ghost invoices

Chamber of Commerce or Chamber of Customers

An unfortunate, and seemingly indestructible element of our business are ghost invoices. Companies, from parts unknown, send non suspecting applicants of new trademarks an invoice, in return for something that seems critical and necessary, but really is not. More often than not applicants assume they are dealing with actual authorities, making this a very lucrative scandal.

 

Recently we encountered a ghost invoice that appears to be from the Dutch Chamber of Commerce. They referred to themselves as the Chamber of Customers, and were using a device that was very similar to that of the Chamber of Commerce. Fortunately the real Chamber of Commerce took immediate action, and prevented 350,000 invoices from being sent. Unfortunately 1.4 million invoices were already sent before this. The amount to be paid to the Chamber of Customers was € 149.- per invoice. It is estimated that one in ten recipients of ghost invoices actually pays them.

About Abcor

Abcor specializes in applying for trademark and design rights. We do this worldwide for both SMEs and international companies, but often everything starts with an initial Benelux application. Our aim is to relieve the client of all the worries, which is why we take care of all the steps, from initial advice on what to apply for and how, right through to registration.

In addition to applying for trademarks, we also manage portfolios for our clients. We ensure that trademarks are renewed on time, that the right organizations are paid (given the many fraudulent companies), and we support our clients on issues.

In addition, we are sparring partners for our customers on new products and how to shape and claim new ideas.

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Newsletter: Abcor ABC Magazine

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Among others in this issue:
• EUIPO vs Mora TV: weigering geluidsmerk
• Jägermeister vs Alte Heiler: stop Russische copycat
• Stichting Nederlandse Top 40: gericht op Benelux?
• Tijdschrift HART vs Hermitage: soortgelijkheid
• Monique Granneman: nieuwe partner Abcor

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