Alerts

Warning: Trademark email misusing the name of Stewart John Forbes James claiming to be from 'Stewart James Law'

11 February 2026

Emails regarding a purported trademarking application have been sent to members of the public, misusing the name of Stewart John Forbes James, a genuine solicitor.

What is the scam?

Emails have been sent claiming to be from ‘Stewart John Forbes James’ at ‘Stewart James Law’. The emails misuse the SRA ID number and the name of a genuine solicitor (please see genuine details below).

The emails inform the recipient about a competing company initiating a trademark filing with the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) to register the same name. The emails invite the recipients to secure trademark registration of the company name and offers to assist with this process. The recipients are encouraged to respond within 24 hours.

The emails were sent from the email address ‘Stewart@stewartjameslaw.com’. The emails also include the website address 'stewartjameslaw.com'.

The SRA does not authorise or regulate a firm of solicitors called ‘Stewart James Law'.

Any business or transaction through the above email address or website is not undertaken by a firm or solicitor authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Stewart John Forbes James, whose genuine SRA ID number is 27829.

The genuine solicitor Stewart John Forbes James has confirmed that they do not have any connection to the email, email address or website referred to in the above alert.

What should I do?

When a firm's or individual's identity has been copied exactly (or cloned), due diligence is necessary. If you receive correspondence claiming to be from the above firm(s) or individual(s), or information of a similar nature to that described, you should conduct your own due diligence by checking the authenticity of the correspondence by contacting the law firm directly by reliable and established means. You can contact the SRA to find out if individuals or firms are regulated and authorised by the SRA and verify an individual's or firm's practising details. Other verification methods, such as checking public records (e.g. telephone directories and company records) may be required in other circumstances.