On August 6, 2025, The United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) issued sanctions against a foreign filing firm for fraudulently filed trademark applications and unauthorized practice of law. Respondents, Shenzhen Chenhaiyun Tech. Co. Ltd. and certain related businesses are named in the Order.[1][2] As a result, over 52,000 filed trademark applications and registrations have been terminated. The USPTO cited violations and attempts to conceal misconduct through: (1) the cooperation of licensed U.S. attorneys, leading to misuse of their credentials and electronic signatures; (2) falsifying signatures; (3) submitting fake specimens of use; and (4) misusing USPTO.gov accounts.[3] In one instance, the attorney of record for over 8,000 trademark applications and registrations appeared to make more than 300 submissions after his death.[4] Additionally, an allegedly fictitious attorney, listed as the attorney of record on over 2,500 trademark applications and registrations, could not be located to practice law in Illinois, where he was alleged to practice, or through the ARDC.[5] The USPTO has issued the following sanctions:
- Permanent ban on Respondents from submitting trademark and trademark-related documents at the USPTO;
- Prior submitted documents at the USPTO on behalf of Respondents are invalidated;
- Deactivation of all related USPTO accounts;
- Blocking financial transactions tied with improper submissions and associated with Respondents;
- Termination of all pending related applications filed by Respondents at the USPTO; and
- Future trademark proceedings at the USPTO found to be related to or involve Respondents will be invalidated and terminated. [6]
[1] In re Shenzhen Seller Growth Network Technology Co., Ltd. et al., Final Order for Sanctions (August 6, 2025)
[2] Adam Lidgett, “USPTO Throws Out Over 52,000 TM Apps For Fraud Issues,” Law 360, (August 8, 2025) (https://www.law360.com/legalindustry/articles/2375246?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=section)
[3] “USPTO has terminated more than 52,000 fraudulently filed trademark applications and registrations,” (August 8, 2025) (https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/news-updates/uspto-has-terminated-more-52000-fraudulently-filed-trademark-applications-and)
[4] Aaron Wininger, “USPTO: Chinese Firms Used Dead Attorney to Submit U.S. Trademark Application Filings,” China IP Law Update (August 30, 2022) (https://www.chinaiplawupdate.com/2022/08/uspto-chinese-firms-used-dead-attorney-to-file-trademark-applications/)
[5] Id.
[6] In re Shenzhen Seller Growth Network Technology Co., Ltd. et al., Final Order for Sanctions (August 6, 2025)