Alerts
Warning: Emails regarding trademarks misusing the name of 'David Ross Cleveland'
11 February 2026
Emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from 'David Ross Cleveland', in connection with purported trademarking applications.
What is the scam?
The SRA has been informed that emails have been sent to several recipients misusing the name of a genuine solicitor (see below).
The emails refer to an imminent trademark application to the United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO). The email seen by the SRA invites the recipient to secure trademark registration of a company name and logo and offers to assist with this process It also states that if the recipient does not follow the guidance and advice, they could face legal consequences.
The correspondence seen by the SRA misuses the name and SRA number of a genuine solicitor (see below), and was sent from the following email address:
- david@rossclevelandlaw.com
The email also provides a website address of 'davidrosscleveland.com', which the SRA has been informed has now been suspended.
Any business or transactions through the email address and web address mentioned above are not undertaken by any individual or firm authorised and regulated by the SRA.
Is there a genuine firm or person?
The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine Solicitor called David Ross Cleveland with the SRA ID number 193354.
The genuine David Ross Cleveland has confirmed that he has no connection to the emails 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.