Overview

Amazon has added a new module to Seller Central University that explains how sellers should handle copyright, trademark and patent issues on the marketplace. The training, released in March 2024, outlines how to spot potential infringements, how to file reports and how to defend against claims. Sellers need to master these rules because IP complaints can lead to removed listings, account suspensions, or permanent bans.

Key Points

• Copyright focus — Most violations involve copying product photos or listing text; even slight edits to a stolen image count as infringement.
• Trademark nuance — Reselling authentic branded items is allowed under the first‑sale doctrine; only counterfeit goods trigger a trademark violation.
• Patent complexity — Design patents are the biggest hidden risk for private‑label sellers, especially when a new product looks similar to an existing patented design.
• Evidence standards — Amazon requires distinct proof for each IP type: authorship records for copyright, registration numbers for trademarks, and patent identifiers for patents.
• Response deadline — Sellers must reply to any IP notice within the timeframe indicated in the notification, otherwise the complaint remains on their health metrics.
• Documentation importance — Keeping invoices, supplier agreements and design files can be decisive when disputing a claim.

How to Report IP Infringement

1. Select the appropriate claim type — In Seller Central, choose “Copyright,” “Trademark,” or “Patent” from the infringement‑reporting menu. For example, a brand owner who discovers a competitor using a protected illustration would select “Copyright.”
2. Upload required evidence — Attach the original work file, registration certificate or patent number as the case demands. A trademark complaint must include the USPTO registration number and screenshots showing consumer confusion.
3. Provide a detailed description — Explain how the offending listing violates the IP right, citing specific ASINs and the infringing elements. A patent complainant might note that ASIN B07XYZ replicates the ornamental shape covered by U.S. Patent 6,123,456.