Amazon Account Frozen by TRO? What Sellers Need to Know
Introduction
As an Amazon seller lawyer who’s handled hundreds of account freeze cases, I can tell you this — when your Amazon account is frozen, the problem often goes beyond Amazon’s internal policy. In many cases, the freeze results from a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) filed in federal court.
If you’ve suddenly lost access to your funds, listings, or account, and there’s no clear explanation in Seller Central, this blog will help you understand what happened, why it happened, and how to fix it.
Why Is My Amazon Account Frozen?
When your Amazon account is frozen, your ability to operate the business is essentially shut down:
You can’t access your seller funds
Your listings are removed or suppressed
You may not even get a clear notification in Seller Central
While internal account suspensions are common, what most sellers don’t expect is that an outside legal action, like a TRO, can cause an instant, non-negotiable freeze.
What Is a TRO and How Does It Affect Amazon Sellers?
A Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is a court order, typically requested by a brand or rights holder, that instructs Amazon to:
Freeze your account balance
Remove specific product listings
Prevent you from selling during the legal proceedings
Amazon complies immediately — often before you are even notified — because they are named as a third-party in the court’s order. You may be listed as a defendant under a store name, storefront ID, or alias, sometimes with dozens or hundreds of other sellers.
This means your Amazon account is frozen not because of Amazon’s enforcement, but due to an active federal court order.
How Do Sellers Find Out They’re in a TRO?
Most sellers find out after their account is already frozen. Clues include:
A sudden drop in sales with no clear Amazon message
Inability to access or withdraw your balance
An email from Amazon Legal or a law firm referencing a court case
A Performance Notification referencing a legal order or IP complaint
Public court records listing your store as a defendant (you can search PACER.gov)
Can a TRO Shut Down My Amazon Business?
Yes — and it happens frequently.
As of 2025, many large brands use TROs in mass IP lawsuits to stop what they believe are counterfeit or unauthorized sellers. Unfortunately, these lawsuits often:
List legitimate sellers alongside bad actors
Freeze funds before any investigation
Delay access to the legal system due to sealed filings
That’s why it’s critical to respond properly. A TRO is not just a platform suspension — it’s a federal court action with real legal consequences.
What To Do If Your Amazon Account Is Frozen by a TRO
✅ Step 1: Confirm the TRO Exists
Check your messages and seller notifications. If none exist, search your store name on PACER.gov or contact legal counsel. Many sellers aren’t even properly served before their account is frozen.
✅ Step 2: Contact a Lawyer Familiar With Amazon TROs
Not all attorneys understand how Amazon works. You need legal representation that knows both federal litigation and Amazon’s platform-specific mechanics. That’s where our team at AmazonSellersLawyer.com comes in.
✅ Step 3: Review the Complaint
If you were wrongly named, we may be able to negotiate a voluntary dismissal. If you were included in error, the other side may remove your store from the action before it proceeds to judgment.
✅ Step 4: File a Motion or Defense
Depending on the court’s schedule and your position, we may:
File a motion to dissolve or modify the TRO
Request a partial release of your Amazon funds
Seek dismissal based on jurisdiction, ownership, or lawful sourcing
How Long Can Amazon Freeze My Account?
Typically, TROs last 14–28 days, but that’s only the beginning. In many cases:
TROs are extended with preliminary injunctions
Funds remain frozen until the case is resolved
Sellers must file their defense or negotiate release terms
Time matters — the longer you wait, the longer your cash flow is frozen.
Can I Get My Amazon Funds Back?
Yes, if the case is resolved in your favor or you’re dismissed from the TRO, you can petition for:
Release of frozen funds
Reinstatement of your account or ASINs
Removal of your seller’s name from public court records
At AmazonSellersLawyer.com, we help sellers every day with these petitions and court submissions.
Final Thoughts
A frozen Amazon account can feel like the end of your business, especially if it happens overnight and without explanation. But if a Temporary Restraining Order is involved, it’s a legal issue, not just a platform issue.
Act quickly. Get legal help. And don’t try to resolve a court order with just Seller Support.
If your Amazon account is frozen and you suspect legal action is behind it, contact the team at AmazonSellersLawyer.com today. We know how to navigate TROs, federal court filings, and Amazon compliance — and we’re here to help you get your business back on track.