Tired of IP Complaints? Tips to Fix & Prevent Them Today

Why Are You Getting IP Complaints on Amazon?

If you’ve ever woken up to an Amazon notification about an intellectual property (IP) complaint, you know the panic it causes. Your listings get flagged, your account health takes a hit, and worst of all, your business is at risk. But here’s the truth: Most Amazon sellers aren’t even violating IP laws—they’re just caught in a system that doesn’t always work in their favor.

So, how do you fix these Amazon IP complaints, and more importantly, prevent them from happening again? Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Understand the Type of Amazon IP Complaint You’re Facing

Not all Amazon IP complaints are the same. Identifying the type of complaint you received is the first step in resolving it.

Trademark Complaints: These happen when a brand claims you are using its name, logo, or tagline without permission. Even using a brand name in a product title can trigger this.
Copyright Complaints: These occur if a brand claims you copied its product images, descriptions, or other creative content.
Patent Complaints: If a seller or brand believes your product infringes on their patent (design or utility), they can file a complaint.

Each complaint type requires a different approach, so knowing what you’re dealing with is key.

Step 2: Respond to Amazon and the Rights Owner

Once you identify the complaint type, your next move is to respond—quickly and correctly.

What to Do When You Get an Amazon IP Complaint

Check the Complaint Details: Log into your Amazon Seller Central, go to ‘Account Health,’ and find the complaint under ‘Intellectual Property Violations.’
Contact the Rights Owner: Amazon provides an email for the complainant. Politely ask for details on the complaint and request a retraction if it was filed in error.
Provide Proof of Authorization: If you’re an authorized seller, show your invoices, authorization letters, or licensing agreements.
Submit a Plan of Action (POA): If the complaint is valid, create a POA explaining what happened, how you’ve fixed it, and what steps you’re taking to prevent future issues.

Amazon wants to see that you’re addressing the issue proactively. A weak or generic response won’t work.

Step 3: Prevent Future Amazon IP Complaints

Fixing a complaint is one thing—preventing them is another. Here’s how to avoid these headaches in the future:

1. Source Products from Reputable Suppliers

Only buy from authorized distributors.
Keep detailed invoices and proof of authenticity.

2. Avoid Using Brand Names in Your Listings

Don’t mention a trademarked brand unless you have permission.
Use generic terms instead (e.g., “compatible with” instead of the brand name).

3. Check for Patents Before Listing a Product

Search the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database.
If you’re unsure, consult an IP attorney.

4. Monitor Your Account Health Regularly

Check Seller Central for new complaints.
Stay on top of any warnings from Amazon.

5. Register Your Brand

If you have a private-label product, enroll in the Amazon Brand Registry.
This helps you protect your own listings from hijackers.

For help with brand protection, check out BrandProtectionAmazon.com.

What If You Keep Getting Amazon IP Complaints?

Some brands aggressively enforce their IP rights—even when sellers aren’t violating anything. If you keep getting flagged unfairly:

File an Amazon Appeal: If you have a strong case, challenge the complaint through Amazon’s dispute process.
Seek Legal Help: In some cases, you may need an attorney to push back against false claims.
Consider Brand Protection Services: If your account is under constant threat, a professional brand protection service can help.

Need More Help?

If you’re dealing with repeated Amazon IP complaints and need assistance, visit AmazonSellersLawyer.com for help. Our team has helped thousands of sellers resolve IP disputes and keep their accounts in good standing.

Also, if you want CJ Rosenbaum to speak at your event or podcast about Amazon legal issues, visit CJRosenbaum.com.

Final Thoughts

Amazon IP complaints can feel like a nightmare, but they don’t have to shut your business down. By understanding why these complaints happen, responding strategically, and taking proactive steps to prevent them, you can protect your account and keep selling.