If you own issued patents or trademark registrations in the United States, you are required to make certain filings with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to keep your patents and trademark registrations alive. There are numerous companies unaffiliated with the USPTO that send solicitation letters to patent and trademark owners offering to assist with the payment of these maintenance fees. In addition, these companies may also reach out to offer services to register your trademark on private registries or to offer various monitoring services.