Amazon IP Complaints (Trademark) – How to Resolve and Prevent Issues

Introduction: What Are Amazon IP Complaints (Trademark) and Why Do They Matter?

Amazon takes intellectual property (IP) protection seriously, and trademark complaints are among the most common IP-related challenges sellers face. An IP complaint (trademark) occurs when a brand or rights holder files a claim with Amazon stating that a seller is using their trademark-protected brand name, logo, or other identifiers without authorization.

When a seller receives an IP complaint for trademark infringement, Amazon may:

• Suspend or remove the listing in question.
• Suspend the seller account if multiple complaints are filed.
• Hold seller funds while the issue is under review.

Trademark complaints can be filed legitimately by brand owners or wrongfully by competitors attempting to remove legitimate sellers from the marketplace. Understanding how trademark IP complaints work, how to resolve them, and how to prevent future issues is essential for Amazon sellers who want to protect their businesses.

This guide will break down common reasons sellers receive trademark IP complaints, provide a step-by-step resolution process, and offer best practices for avoiding these complaints in the future.

Common Reasons Amazon Sellers Receive Trademark IP Complaints

Amazon’s system allows brand owners, manufacturers, and rights holders to report unauthorized use of their registered trademarks. Here are the most common reasons sellers receive trademark IP complaints:

1. Unauthorized Use of a Brand Name in Listings

• Using a trademarked brand name in the title, bullet points, or description of a product without authorization.
• Including brand names in search terms or hidden backend keywords.

🔹 Example: A seller lists a generic laptop charger and includes “Apple” in the title, even though it is not an official Apple product.

2. Selling Counterfeit or Unauthorized Products

• Selling unauthorized or unlicensed versions of a brand’s product.
• Listing counterfeit items that infringe on a registered trademark.

🔹 Example: Selling shoes labeled “Nike” without being an authorized Nike distributor.

3. Selling Branded Products Without Authorization (Even If Authentic)

• Restricted brands may file IP complaints against sellers even if they sell genuine products.
• Some brands require official authorization before third-party sellers can resell their items.

🔹 Example: A seller lists authentic Calvin Klein products but receives an IP complaint because Calvin Klein restricts unauthorized resellers.

4. Listing Products Under the Wrong Brand Name

• Misclassifying a product under a well-known trademark to gain visibility.
• Selling a private-label product and mentioning a competitor’s brand in the listing.

🔹 Example: A seller launches a private-label watch and includes “Rolex-like design” in the description, leading to a trademark violation.

5. Brand Registry & Overreach by Rights Holders

• Some brands use Amazon Brand Registry to file false trademark claims against legitimate sellers.
• Competitors may use IP complaints as a strategy to remove competition.

🔹 Example: A competitor falsely claims that a seller infringes on their trademark to eliminate marketplace competition.

💡 Key Takeaway: Even if sellers aren’t violating trademarks intentionally, their listings may still trigger IP complaints due to Amazon’s strict enforcement policies.

How to Resolve an Amazon Trademark IP Complaint (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you receive an IP complaint on Amazon, follow these steps to resolve it as quickly as possible:

Step 1: Review the IP Complaint Details

• Log into Seller Central and navigate to Performance → Account Health.
• Find the IP complaint notice and review:
  • The complaining brand or rights holder.
  • The infringed trademark and affected ASIN(s).
  • Any contact information provided.

Step 2: Verify the Legitimacy of the Complaint

• Check your product source: Did you purchase directly from the brand or an authorized distributor?
• Look for trademark ownership: Use the USPTO Trademark Search to confirm if the trademark is officially registered.
• Analyze your listing: Did you mention the trademark without permission?

🔹 If the Complaint Is Invalid: You must dispute it with Amazon.
🔹 If the Complaint Is Valid: You must resolve the issue with the rights holder.

Step 3: Contact the Rights Holder (If Possible)

If the complaint includes contact details, reach out to the rights holder:
📧 Email Template:
Subject: Amazon IP Complaint – Request for Resolution

Hello [Rights Holder],

I recently received an IP complaint on Amazon regarding [Product/ASIN]. I would like to resolve this issue as soon as possible. Please let me know if I can provide proof of authenticity, remove the listing, or take any corrective action to resolve this matter.

Thank you,
[Your Name]
[Your Business Name]

Step 4: Submit a Counter-Notice to Amazon (If Justified)

If the complaint is invalid (e.g., wrongful claims or abuse of Brand Registry), submit a counter-notice through Amazon Seller Support:

• Navigate to Seller Central → Help → Contact Amazon.
• Select “Appeal a Trademark Complaint” and provide:
  • Evidence of product authenticity (invoices, supplier details).
  • A legal argument explaining why the complaint is incorrect.

Step 5: Remove the Listing (If Necessary) and Wait for Resolution

• If Amazon rejects your appeal, remove the listing to prevent further damage.
• Wait for Amazon’s response – they typically review cases within 5-7 business days.

How to Prevent Future Amazon Trademark IP Complaints

Avoiding trademark complaints is crucial for maintaining seller account health. Follow these best practices:

✅ 1. Use Only Authorized Branding in Listings

• Do not include brand names, logos, or trademarked terms unless you are an authorized reseller.

✅ 2. Keep Records of Supplier Invoices

• Ensure all products are sourced from legitimate, verifiable suppliers.
• Maintain clear documentation showing product authenticity.

✅ 3. Enroll in Amazon’s Transparency Program

• Amazon’s Transparency Program helps brands verify product authenticity and protect sellers from false complaints.

✅ 4. Monitor Listings & Competitor Actions

• Regularly check if competitors or brands are targeting your listings with fake complaints.

When to Seek Legal Assistance for IP Complaints

Some trademark complaints require legal intervention, especially when:
🚨 Amazon rejects all appeals and permanently removes your listings.
🚨 Competitors file repeated false IP claims against you.
🚨 Your seller account is at risk of suspension due to multiple IP strikes.

📢 Amazon Sellers Lawyer can help sellers fight wrongful IP complaints and protect their businesses. Contact us today at AmazonSellersLawyer.com.