The FBA Brand Builder (FBABB) scandal has taken a troubling turn, as clients now grapple with the fallout from fraudulent U.S. trademark filings orchestrated by Jason McKay and Maria Zafar. Alarming updates from FBABB’s internal Mighty Networks platform reveal that Amazon’s Brand Registry is rejecting client applications outright—a critical blow to their ability to secure and protect their brands on the platform.
One client shared the rejection notice they received from Amazon, citing violations of United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) regulations. Initially confused, they wondered if they had made a mistake, only to have another participant clarify the grim reality: FBABB-related trademarks are being flagged en masse due to systemic fraud involving unqualified “attorneys” submitting filings under false pretenses.
This is no longer a distant scandal—it’s hitting clients where it hurts most: their businesses and livelihoods. For those who placed their trust in Darren Campbell and his team, the consequences are devastating.
Jason McKay and Maria Zafar—Key Figures in a Federal Crime?
At the heart of the FBABB trademark scandal are Jason McKay and Maria Zafar, listed as attorneys of record on over 130 trademark applications. Neither holds the legal qualifications required by the USPTO, making their actions a blatant violation of federal law. This misconduct raises serious concerns about their culpability and the extent of Darren Campbell’s oversight in these fraudulent filings.
Is This a Federal Crime?
Yes, and the implications are severe. Under 18 U.S.C. § 1001, knowingly making false statements to a federal agency—such as misrepresenting oneself as a licensed attorney—is a federal offense. Additionally:
- Fraudulent Trademark Applications: Filing trademarks under false pretenses may constitute unauthorized practice of law and wire fraud, both of which carry serious penalties.
- Penalties: These offenses are punishable by steep fines and significant prison sentences.
Jason McKay, who remains actively involved with FBABB clients, faces the very real risk of arrest and prosecution if he enters the United States. If convicted, he could serve time in a federal prison for his role in these fraudulent activities. This development transforms the scandal from a business misstep into a full-blown legal crisis.
The Scale of the Fraud
The FBABB trademark scandal is staggering in its scope, with fraudulent filings, fake credentials, and deliberate misrepresentation all pointing to a systemic issue:
- Fraudulent Filings: Over 130 trademark applications list Maria Zafar or Jason McKay as attorneys of record, despite neither being qualified to represent clients in trademark matters.
- Fake Credentials: Both Zafar and McKay lack the legal qualifications required by the USPTO to submit trademark applications, a critical violation of federal law.
- Deliberate Misrepresentation: Applications frequently include unprofessional email addresses, such as [email protected] or [email protected], paired with dubious addresses unrelated to any legitimate legal practices.
The systemic nature of this fraud strongly indicates that McKay, Zafar, and possibly other FBABB team members knowingly engaged in deceptive practices to cut costs—leaving their clients’ businesses vulnerable to severe consequences. This isn’t just negligence; it’s a calculated betrayal of trust for financial gain.
The Immediate Client Fallout
For many FBABB clients, the rejection of their Amazon Brand Registry applications is the first concrete evidence of the fallout from this fraud. Without access to Brand Registry, sellers lose critical protections against counterfeiters and hijackers, leaving their listings and businesses exposed. This vulnerability undermines their ability to compete effectively on Amazon’s platform.
One client voiced their frustration on Mighty Networks:
"Brand registry rejected straight away when I hit submit 😢. Is this maybe something to do with the trademark thing? Mine didn’t seem affected and continued to say it was live, so I didn’t do anything with it. Should I have?"
The answer is unequivocal: yes. Clients impacted by FBABB’s fraudulent trademark filings must act immediately to address these issues. Failure to rectify the filings could lead to even greater consequences, jeopardizing the stability of their businesses and their future on the platform.
Financial Costs
The fraudulent trademark filings orchestrated by FBABB have left clients facing significant financial burdens, including:
- Refiling Fees: To resolve the issue, clients must hire legitimate trademark attorneys, with costs ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per application.
- Lost Revenue: Invalid trademarks can result in Amazon listing suspensions, causing a substantial drop in sales and revenue.
- Rebranding Costs: If trademarks are invalidated, clients may be forced to rebrand their businesses entirely—a process that can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Legal Vulnerabilities
Beyond the financial fallout, invalid trademarks expose clients to serious legal risks, including:
- Lawsuits: Competitors or other entities may challenge invalid trademarks, leading to costly legal battles.
- Regulatory Scrutiny: Improper filings can attract attention from regulatory authorities, adding yet another layer of complexity and risk to an already dire situation.
For FBABB clients, these financial and legal consequences are the harsh reality of trusting a program that failed to deliver on its promises. Immediate action is crucial to mitigate the damage.
Reporting Jason McKay and FBABB’s Activities
If you’ve been affected by FBABB’s fraudulent trademark practices or have information regarding Jason McKay’s or Maria Zafar’s involvement, it’s essential to report these activities. Here are the steps you can take:
- USPTO Office of Enrollment and Discipline (OED):
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 571-272-4097
Share details of fraudulent filings and any supporting documentation.
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI):
- Submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov
- Include specifics about fraudulent trademark filings, fake credentials, and their impact on your business.
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Fraud Hotline:
- Phone: 1-800-829-0433
Report any suspected tax fraud connected to FBABB’s activities.
- Phone: 1-800-829-0433
Contact Amazon’s Seller Support team or file a complaint about deceptive practices linked to invalid Brand Registry filings. This helps Amazon address fraudulent activities directly impacting sellers on the platform.
Media coverage can amplify the issue and bring greater accountability. The Belfast Telegraph has already covered FBABB’s controversies. To share your story or additional evidence, reach out to reporter Liam Tunney:
- Email: [email protected]
By taking these steps, you can help expose fraudulent practices, protect other clients, and hold those responsible accountable.
A Message to Darren Campbell and the FBABB Team
Darren, Jason, and the FBABB team—it doesn’t have to end this way. Continuing to dismiss these issues as "outside noise" only magnifies the harm being done to your clients and your reputation.
We’ve already outlined a way forward:
- Establish a Bursary Fund: Partner with us to create a fund for those most affected by FBABB’s practices. This could help clients cover costs for trademark reapplications, rebranding, or lost revenue.
- Take Responsibility: Be transparent about the trademark scandal. Acknowledge the misuse of attorney names and commit to offering free refiling for every affected client.
- Stop the Deflection: Engage directly with your community instead of silencing critics or banning dissenting voices. Address concerns with honesty and solutions.
We’ve also made our position clear: if someone acquires our website and takes on the fight for accountability, we will step away. But until that happens, we’ll continue to expose the truth and advocate for those harmed by FBABB’s unethical practices. The choice is yours to make—turn things around or let the damage grow.
Here's What You Need To Do Now
If you’ve been affected by FBABB’s fraudulent trademark filings, here’s what you should do immediately:
- Verify Your Filing:
Use the USPTO’s Trademark Status and Document Retrieval (TSDR) system to check your application for irregularities, such as false attorney representation or improper filings. - Seek Legal Support:
Consult with a legitimate, licensed trademark attorney. They can help you assess the extent of the damage and guide you through the process of refiling your application if needed. - Report Fraud:
If you suspect fraudulent activity tied to your case, report it to the appropriate authorities:- USPTO Office of Enrollment and Discipline (OED): [email protected]
- FBI: Submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
- IRS Fraud Hotline: Call 1-800-829-0433 to report potential tax fraud.
Taking these steps can help protect your business and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
This Is Not Just "Outside Noise"
The fraudulent actions of Jason McKay and Maria Zafar highlight a systemic failure of ethics within FBABB. For affected clients, this isn’t just a scandal—it’s a financial and operational crisis requiring urgent attention.
To Jason, Darren, and the rest of the FBABB team: every day you avoid addressing this issue, the damage grows deeper. Your clients placed their trust in you. Now is the time to demonstrate accountability, integrity, and true leadership.
For updates, resources, and community support, visit our Q&A Hub or contact us directly—we’re here to assist.