Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Shoosmiths LLP

10 September 2025

Emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from Shoosmiths LLP purporting to be a warning regarding the violation of intellectual property rights.

What is the scam?

The SRA have seen an email that was sent to a member of the public purporting to be from a genuine firm of solicitors (see below) representing Festival Republic and giving a warning regarding the violation of intellectual property rights.

The SRA understands that the email advises the recipient that a social media page operated by them is in violation.

The email provides a link. The concern is the link may contain malware.

The emails misuse the name and genuine contact details for a genuine firm of solicitors (see below)

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a firm of solicitors called Shoosmiths LLP (SRA number 569065). The firm's head office address is 1 Bow Churchyard, London EC4M 9DQ.

The firm's UK telephone number is 03700868300. The genuine firm uses the domain @shoosmiths.com.

Shoosmiths LLP has confirmed that it does not have any 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.