How to Remove an IP Complaint on Amazon (Full Guide)

Introduction: Understanding Amazon IP Complaints and Their Impact

Receiving an Intellectual Property (IP) complaint on Amazon can be a serious issue for sellers. Whether it’s a trademark, copyright, or patent violation, these complaints can lead to listing removals, account suspensions, or even permanent bans. Many sellers receive IP complaints without fully understanding the reason, and failing to address them properly can escalate the issue.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

Why do sellers receive IP complaints
How to remove an IP complaint on Amazon
Preventative measures to avoid future IP claims
When to escalate the issue or seek professional help

By following this step-by-step process, Amazon sellers can effectively resolve IP complaints, restore their listings, and protect their accounts.

Common Reasons for IP Complaints on Amazon

Before diving into the removal process, it’s essential to understand why IP complaints occur. The most common reasons include:

1. Trademark Infringement

A brand owner may report a seller for using their brand name, logo, or trademarked product names without permission. This often happens with:

Unauthorized resellers listing under a brand’s ASIN
Sellers using a brand name in their listing title or description
Private label sellers with unregistered trademarks facing false claims

2. Copyright Infringement

Product images
Descriptions
Instruction manuals Even using manufacturer-supplied content without modification can lead to copyright claims.

3. Patent Infringement

Patent complaints involve the design or functionality of a product. If a seller unknowingly sells a product similar to a patented design or function, they may face a patent infringement claim.

4. Counterfeit Complaints (Even for Authentic Products)

A seller may receive a counterfeit claim if a brand owner mistakenly or intentionally reports their product as fake. This can happen when:

A seller sources from wholesalers instead of the brand
The product’s packaging differs from the original brand’s retail version
The brand implements strict distribution controls and wants unauthorized sellers removed

5. Rights Owner Errors or False Claims

Some brands misuse Amazon’s Brand Registry to file false complaints, even when a seller is legally selling authentic products. These situations require careful documentation and appeal strategies to overturn.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Remove an IP Complaint on Amazon

Step 1: Check Your Amazon Account Health Dashboard

Amazon provides detailed information about policy violations under Account Health (Seller Central > Performance > Account Health). Locate the specific IP complaint and note:

Case ID
Claim Type (Trademark, Copyright, Patent, Counterfeit)
Complainant’s Contact Information

Step 2: Confirm the Validity of the Complaint

Review your sourcing documents (invoices, purchase orders).
Compare your product listing to the complainant’s claim.
Check Amazon’s Intellectual Property Policy to determine if the complaint is valid.

Step 3: Contact the Rights Owner for a Retraction

If the complaint is invalid or mistaken, reach out to the rights owner directly. The complainant’s email address is usually listed in Seller Central under the complaint details.

What to Include in Your Email:

Polite, professional tone (avoid accusations)
Evidence supporting your case (e.g., invoices, authorization letters)
Request for retraction (explain why the complaint is invalid)

📌 Tip: If the rights owner agrees to retract the complaint, ask them to email Amazon at [email protected] with a clear case reference number.

Step 4: Submit a Plan of Action (POA) to Amazon

If the complainant refuses to retract, or you receive no response, you must appeal directly to Amazon with a well-structured Plan of Action (POA).

POA Structure:

Introduction: Acknowledge the issue and express commitment to compliance.
Root Cause Analysis: Explain why the issue occurred (e.g., misunderstanding, sourcing confusion).
Corrective Actions Taken:
- Removed the listing (if applicable)
- Updated images/descriptions to prevent further issues
- Contacted the rights owner for clarification
Preventative Measures:
- Improved supplier verification
- Implemented stronger compliance checks
- Avoided unauthorized brand names in listings
Request for reinstatement: Politely ask Amazon to remove the complaint from your account.

Step 5: Escalate to Amazon if Necessary

If your initial appeal is denied, escalate the issue by:

Opening a case with Amazon Seller Support
Emailing Amazon’s Notice Dispute Team ([email protected])
Contacting Amazon Seller Performance at [email protected]
If the complaint is a false claim, file a counter-notice under DMCA for copyright disputes.

Step 6: Legal Action for Baseless Complaints

For wrongful or anti-competitive complaints, legal action may be necessary. Sellers can:

Send a cease-and-desist letter to the complainant
File a lawsuit against brands misusing Amazon’s system
Consult a law firm specializing in Amazon seller disputes (e.g., AmazonSellersLawyer.com)

How to Prevent Future IP Complaints on Amazon

1. Source from Authorized Suppliers

Maintained detailed invoices with supplier contact information.
Work with brand-authorized wholesalers to minimize complaints.

2. Avoid Using Brand Names in Listings

Refrain from using protected brand names unless explicitly authorized.
For generic products, create unique titles and descriptions.

3. Register Your Brand

Enroll in Amazon Brand Registry to gain more control over listings.
File for trademarks to protect your private label brand.

4. Use Only Licensed Product Images

Avoid copying manufacturer photos unless explicitly permitted.
Take your high-quality product images to prevent copyright issues.

5. Regularly Check for Complaints

Monitor Amazon’s Account Health Dashboard weekly.
Set up Google Alerts for your brand name and product listings.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your IP complaint remains unresolved, or if you face repeated claims, seeking legal assistance may be necessary. AmazonSellersLawyer.com helps sellers:

Appeal wrongful IP complaints
Negotiate with brand owners
Pursue legal action against false claims
Reinstate suspended accounts due to IP disputes

📩 Contact AmazonSellersLawyer.com today

How to Remove an IP Complaint on Amazon (Step-by-Step Guide)