Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of CND Law Ltd, David Marks and Nick Cross

7 May 2025

Emails have been sent misusing the name of CND Law Ltd, David Marks and Nick Cross in relation to the supposed protection of legal rights concerning intellectual property.

What is the scam?

The SRA has seen several emails misusing the name of genuine solicitors (see below) claiming to be Intellectual Property Solicitors from 'CND Law Firm' (see below genuine firm with similar name).

The emails state that they are in relation to a supposed application for legal protection of a third-party brand under UK intellectual property laws. They state that the applicant is seeking exclusive rights to this name, and as part of due diligence, the application has been reviewed to ensure compliance with the Trademarks Act 1994 and other relevant regulations.

The emails misuse the postal address of a genuine firm of solicitors and some of the emails misuse the SRA ID number of a genuine solicitor (see below).

The emails were sent using email addresses of 'david@cndlaws.com' and 'nick@cndlaws.com'.

The emails provide a telephone number of '+44 (0) 20 376 93846' and a website address of 'https://cndlaws.com/'. This website was not accessible.

The SRA does not authorise and regulate a firm of solicitors called 'CND Law Firm'.

Any business or transactions through the website, emails and telephone number set out above are not undertaken by a firm of solicitors authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a firm of solicitors called CND Law Ltd. The office is at 8 Berry Street Liverpool L20 8AT. The firm has not commenced trading. The firm does not have a website or email domain, or a telephone number assigned to the firm.

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called David Jonathan Marks, his SRA ID is 276564 and a genuine solicitor called Nick Paul Cross.

CND Law Ltd, David Jonathan Marks and Nick Paul Cross have confirmed they do not have any connection to 'CND Law Firm' nor to the emails.

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.