Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Cromford Law Ltd

4 April 2025

Emails have been sent misusing the names of 'Eric Leicht' and 'David Anthony' supposedly of 'Cromford Law' regarding intellectual property matters.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that emails have been sent misusing the names of a genuine solicitor and a genuine Registered Foreign Lawyer (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 'eric.leicht@cromfordlawfirm.com', 'eric.leicht@cromfordlaws.com', 'david.anthony@cromfordlaws.com', and 'david.anthony@cromfordlawfirm.com' and provide the telephone number '+44 (0) 20 7193 8010' as well as the website addresses 'www.cromfordlawfirm.com' and 'www.cromfordlaws.com'.

Any business or transactions through the email addresses 'eric.leicht@cromfordlawfirm.com', 'eric.leicht@cromfordlaws.com','david.anthony@cromfordlaws.com' and 'david.anthony@cromfordlawfirm.com', the telephone number '+44 (0) 20 7193 8010' and the website addresses 'www.cromfordlawfirm.com' and 'www.cromfordlaws.com' is not undertaken by a firm or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Cromford Law Ltd which also trades as Cromford Law. Its head office address is 1 Sir Richard Arkwrights, Cromford Mills, Mill Lane, Cromford, DE4 3RQ. Cromford Law Ltd has confirmed that it has no connection to the above matter.

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called David Anthony. David Anthony is believed to have no connection to the above matter.

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine Registered Foreign Lawyer called Eric Leicht.  Eric Leicht has confirmed that he has no connection to the above matter.

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.