Alerts
Warning: Emails misusing the name of Spectre Law Ltd
17 April 2025
Emails have been sent misusing the names of 'Hazel Padmore' and 'David Anthony' supposedly of 'Spectre Law' regarding intellectual property matters.
What is the scam?
The SRA has been informed that emails have been sent misusing the names of genuine solicitors (see below). The individuals are referred to as being 'Intellectual Property Solicitors'. The emails also misuse the name and address of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).
The emails seen by the SRA advise the recipient that an applicant is supposedly seeking legal protection for a brand name used by the recipient. The recipient is advised to consider registering their trademark; failing which, the applicant may receive exclusive ownership of the name.
The emails have been sent from the email addresses 'hazel@spectrelaws.com' and 'david@spectrelaws.com' and provide the telephone number '+44 (0) 20 7193 8010' as well as the website address 'www.spectrelaws.com'.
Any business or transaction through the above email addresses, telephone number and website address 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 firm of solicitors called Spectre Law Ltd which also trades as Spectre Law. The firm's head office address is 14 The Arcade, 1 Floor Dunstable Road, Luton LU4 8JE.
The SRA authorises and regulates genuine solicitors called Hazel Padmore and David Anthony. Neither are employed by, or do work on behalf of, Spectre Law Ltd.
The genuine firm of Spectre Law Ltd and the genuine Hazel Padmore and David Anthony have confirmed that they have no connection to the above 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.