According to the EPO:

"Numerous applicants and patent proprietors have informed the European Patent Office that firms and individuals using names, abbreviations or emblems that appear to be official have been inviting them to register patents in unofficial registers or publications."

The European Patent Office went on to point out that it alone performs legally effective publication and registration of European patent applications or patents, and that it does so automatically.

It concluded:

"The European Patent Office warns all concerned to guard against the subterfuges of such firms and individuals. You should also be aware that because their services have no legal effect whatsoever, there is no obligation to pay."