Alerts

Warning: Trademark emails misusing the name of Nicholas Briggs and purporting to be from 'Trademarks Filers' and 'Trademark Axis'

7 July 2026

Emails have been sent from 'Trademarks Filers' and 'Trademark Axis', misusing the name of Nicholas Briggs in connection with a purported trademark ownership challenge.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that emails have been sent misusing the name of a genuine solicitor (see below).

The emails are in relation to supposed competing trademark applications and have links to other similar emails or websites that have been subject to previous, similar alerts (see linked alerts below).

The correspondence purports to act as a 'formal and final notice' advising the recipient that a third party's competing trademark application will be submitted to the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) unless they respond and address the matter.

The first email was sent from the email address 'nicholas.briggs@trademarkfiler.uk'. The email purports to be from an 'Intellectual Property Lawyer' and misuses the name of a genuine Intellectual Property law solicitor (see below). The signature also quotes the address of '76 Corporation St. Birmingham, B2 5LS, UK', the telephone number '07830 765 607', and the website of 'www.trademarksfilers.co.uk.'

A more recent email was sent from 'nicholas.briggs@trademarkaxis.co.uk'. The email is similar and also misuses the name of the same genuine solicitor (see below). The email signature also quotes the address of '76 Corporation St. Birmingham B2 5LS, UK' and the same telephone number of '07830 765 607', but a different website of 'www.trademarkaxis.co.uk'.

Any business or transaction through the above address, email addresses, telephone number or websites are not undertaken by an individual who is authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Nicholas Briggs, whose SRA ID number is 15219 and who is a Partner and Head of Intellectual Property at Shakespeare Martineau LLP, based in Birmingham.

The genuine solicitor has confirmed that they have no connection to the correspondence and contact details referred to in the emails or websites 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.