Vorys Amazon IP Complaint Letter? Here’s How Sellers Should Respond

Seller examining Vorys IP complaint with legal documents and Seller Central open

Introduction

You just received a cease and desist letter or takedown notice from Vorys law firm. Maybe Amazon pulled your listing without warning. Maybe a brand you’ve never directly communicated with is threatening legal action.

You’re probably thinking:

  • “Can they actually do this?”

  • “Why did Amazon remove my product?”

  • “Am I going to lose my account?”

  • “Do I need to respond — or just ignore it?”

If you’re here, you’re not alone. We’ve helped hundreds of sellers navigate this exact scenario. Below is straightforward legal guidance on what to do — and not do — if you’ve been hit with a Vorys Amazon IP complaint.


Who Is Vorys and Why Are They Targeting Amazon Sellers?

Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP is a large law firm hired by brands to control unauthorized resellers on Amazon. These brands use Vorys to:

  • Send cease and desist letters to Amazon sellers

  • File intellectual property complaints (often without proof of infringement)

  • Pressure Amazon to suspend sellers for alleged violations

  • Scare sellers into removing listings voluntarily

If you’re a third-party seller — especially in health, beauty, supplements, apparel, or electronics — Vorys may allege that your sales violate:

  • Trademark rights

  • Material difference doctrines

  • Authorized reseller policies

  • Minimum advertised pricing (MAP) rules disguised as legal claims

Important: Vorys often uses aggressive tactics based on distribution control, not actual IP violations.


Step 1: Don’t Panic — But Don’t Ignore It Either

Amazon sellers often ask:

“Can I just ignore the letter?”

You could — but here’s what might happen:

  • Amazon may deactivate your listing based on the IP complaint

  • Your account health could drop, putting your selling privileges at risk

  • Vorys might escalate to arbitration or federal litigation if you’re a high-volume seller

We’ve seen sellers who ignored a Vorys letter get hit with a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) in federal court — resulting in frozen funds and account lockdowns.


Step 2: Analyze the Complaint

Read the letter closely. It may include:

  • Claims of unauthorized distribution

  • Allegations of trademark infringement

  • References to warranties, product quality, or “material differences”

  • Demands to remove your listing or stop selling the product

  • Threats of further legal action or arbitration

Ask yourself:

  • Are you selling genuine products?

  • Did you source them from a legitimate supplier?

  • Is there any modification or repackaging that could raise concerns?

  • Are you listing the product under the correct ASIN and brand?

If the answer to these questions is yes, you may have a solid defense.


Step 3: Do Not Respond Emotionally or Admit Liability

Avoid common seller mistakes, such as:

  • Writing a defensive or angry reply

  • Admitting wrongdoing without legal review

  • Voluntarily removing listings without confirming the claims

  • Ignoring a complaint that’s already been filed in Amazon’s system

Instead, take time to assess the situation and consider next steps with legal guidance.


Step 4: Decide on a Strategic Response

There are several response paths depending on your situation:

✅ Option 1: Respond Directly to Vorys

If the claim is weak or clearly based on distribution (not actual infringement), you can:

  • Provide documentation (e.g., invoices, distributor agreements)

  • State your lawful right to resell under the first-sale doctrine

  • Request clarification on the nature of the complaint

  • Ask whether the brand is willing to settle or retract

Sometimes this professional, evidence-backed approach stops further action.

✅ Option 2: File a Counter Notice with Amazon

If your listing was removed due to a copyright or trademark complaint, and you believe it was a false claim, you may be able to submit a counter notice under Amazon’s dispute process — but only if you’re confident in your legal position.

✅ Option 3: Prepare for Legal Escalation (TRO Risk)

If Vorys has already filed a lawsuit naming multiple Amazon sellers (common in counterfeit or gray market product cases), you’ll need legal counsel to:

  • Challenge the complaint

  • Avoid a default judgment

  • Request a release of your frozen funds

  • Petition for dismissal if wrongly named

At AmazonSellersLawyer.com, we’ve successfully helped sellers avoid escalation, negotiate retractions, and win account reinstatements after Vorys IP complaints.


Final Thoughts: Should You Hire a Lawyer?

If your Amazon account is flagged, your funds are frozen, or you’re included in a mass enforcement action, this is no longer a routine seller support issue.

You need legal counsel that understands:

  • Vorys’ enforcement tactics

  • Amazon’s complaint resolution process

  • Federal IP litigation

  • First-sale doctrine and lawful resale rights

If you’re not sure how to respond to Vorys, don’t wait until Amazon acts — reach out for a legal review and take back control of your listings.

Need help?

You’re not alone. We’re here to support and guide you through this.

Table of Contents

Share This Blog:

Facebook
X
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Email
Scroll to Top