Do not pay a Companies House or trade mark invoice on sight
Companies House and the IPO warned on 21 May 2026 that unaffiliated senders are invoicing directors for free or cheaper official services.
Do not pay an invoice for a Companies House account, an identity check or a trade mark renewal just because the paper looks official.
On 21 May 2026 Companies House and the Intellectual Property Office warned that organisations not affiliated with government are sending invoices for a Companies House online account, an identity check, a trade mark renewal, or a place on an exclusive online register. The notice says prices may be highly inflated for cheaper or free official services. It names no sender and gives no loss figure. A disclaimer that the sender is not part of government does not decide whether the request is lawful.
You are affected if you are a director, a person with significant control, or you hold a UK trade mark. Invoices usually go to the public registered office, and sometimes by email. Identity verification has been required since 18 November 2025. The GOV.UK One Login route is free of charge. An online trade mark renewal is £245 for one class, plus £60 for each extra class, on the IPO fee list updated on 23 July 2026.
If you have not paid, open GOV.UK yourself this week and ignore every contact detail on the letter. Compare the demand with the Companies House identity verification guidance and the IPO trade mark forms and fees page. Then use the Companies House contact finder on GOV.UK, or email misleadinginvoices@ipo.gov.uk. The agencies accept that a third party you choose may charge for separate services. An invoice you never asked for is not that.
If you have already paid, call your bank or card provider today on the number on your card, the firm's own website, or Stop Scams UK's 159 line. Ask for a fraud claim and keep the letter and proof of payment. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland report to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. Copy trade mark papers to misleadinginvoices@ipo.gov.uk, contact Companies House through GOV.UK, and report to your local Trading Standards office on GOV.UK. Do not pay a recovery fee.
For a UK bank transfer on or after 7 October 2024, Payment Systems Regulator rules cover individuals, microenterprises and charities up to £85,000 if you tell the firm within 13 months. Those rules allow an excess of up to £100, not for a vulnerable customer. For a card payment, ask the issuer about a chargeback. If the firm refuses, complain, then go to the Financial Ombudsman Service. This is a route, not a promise of repayment.
A paid agent is worth the fee only when you asked them to do work the agency will not do for you. An Authorised Corporate Service Provider, a Companies House authorised agent, may charge to verify you if you cannot use One Login. An intellectual property attorney may charge for a renewal or opposition you instructed.
This week, match the service and the official charge on GOV.UK, then speak to the agency on details you found yourself.
