Alerts

Warning: Email misusing the name of Claire Hyslop and St Nic's Legal Services Ltd

10 September 2026

An email has been sent misusing the name of Claire Hyslop and St Nic's Legal Services Ltd.

What is the scam?

The SRA has seen an email misusing the name of a genuine solicitor and a genuine law firm (see details below) in connection with a purported trademark application.

The email advises the recipient that a third party's competing trademark application will be submitted to the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO). The email invites the recipient to secure trademark registration first and offers to assist with this process.

The email was sent from the email address 'claire@notice.stnicslegalservices.co.uk'. The email also provides a telephone number '+44 1202080110'.

Any business or transaction through the above email address or telephone number 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 Claire Hyslop (SRA ID 501579). The genuine solicitor has confirmed she has no connection to the email or contact details referred to above.

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine law firm called St Nic's Legal Services Ltd (SRA ID 8012738). The firm has confirmed that it has no connection to the email or contact details referred to above.

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.