Alerts
Warning: Emails misusing the name of Distinction Law Limited and the name and SRA numbers of SRA regulated individuals
26 May 2026
Emails have been sent to different recipients misusing the name and details of Distinction Law Limited and misusing the names and SRA numbers of SRA regulated individuals, in connection with purported trademark applications.
What is the scam?
The SRA has been informed that emails have been sent misusing the names and SRA numbers of genuine solicitors (see below) and a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).
The emails seen by the SRA purport to be from the 'Trademark Division' in relation to an alleged 'preliminary legal assessment' regarding a 'conflicting UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) trademark application'. The correspondence quotes 'Trade Marks Rules 2008', offering to 'prepare and file a UK trademark application' and invites the recipient to respond within '48 hours'.
The emails were sent from the following email addresses:
- 'layla@legalnotice.distinction-law.co.uk'
- 'jennifer@legalnotice.distinction-law.com'
- 'giselle@legalnotice.distinction-law.com'
- 'layla@legalnotice.distinction-law.com'
The email signatures misuse the names and SRA numbers of genuine solicitors (see below) purporting to hold the position of a 'Registered IP Solicitor'. The signatures also provide the genuine firm's address, including the telephone number '+44 2080890241' and fake website 'distinction-law.co.uk'.
Any business or transaction through the email addresses, telephone number or website as noted above are not undertaken by any individual or firm authorised and regulated by the SRA.
Is there a genuine firm or person?
The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Distinction Law Limited (SRA number 806943). The genuine firm uses the email domain '...@distinctionlaw.com', and their contact number is 020 4538 1304. Its head office is located at 86-90 Paul Street, London, EC2A 4NE.
The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Layla Wadrassi, whose SRA number is 438510.The genuine solicitor is not employed at the genuine firm Distinction Law Limited.
The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Jennifer Al-Salim, whose SRA number is 440200.The genuine solicitor is not employed at the genuine firm Distinction Law Limited.
The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine Registered Foreign Lawyer called Giselle Noella Emaleu Djietieu, whose SRA number is 828913. The genuine solicitor is not employed at the genuine firm Distinction Law Limited.
The genuine firm Distinction Law Limited and the genuine solicitors are not believed to have a connection to the correspondence, email addresses, website and telephone numbers referred to in the above alert.
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.