Recent reports from multiple Amazon Europe marketplace sellers reveal a troubling trend of malicious attacks from competitors, with the latest incident involving abusive trademark complaints under the "OIMG" mark. This development highlights growing concerns about unfair competition practices in cross-border e-commerce.
The "OIMG" Trademark Abuse Incident
Dozens of sellers operating on Amazon's European marketplace—particularly in Italy—have reported mass listing removals following complaints alleging "trademark abuse" and "counterfeit products without test purchases." Some affected sellers saw dozens to hundreds of listings removed, with certain businesses facing category-wide attacks.
The complaints center around the "OIMG" trademark, registered to Fujian Miling Technology Co., Ltd. based in Jinjiang City, Fujian Province. The attack pattern demonstrates several concerning characteristics:
- Geographic targeting: Primarily focused on European marketplace sellers, with disproportionate impact on Italian operations
- Complaint methodology: Systematic use of trademark and counterfeit allegations to bypass Amazon's standard review processes
- Scale of impact: Hundreds of listings affected across multiple sellers
- Technical manipulation: Attackers allegedly modify listing information to create artificial associations with the "OIMG" trademark
Pattern of Malicious Competition Emerges
This incident follows a similar pattern to last year's "Closhion" trademark controversy, where numerous sellers received infringement complaints from an email address associated with an individual registering multiple trademarks in both the U.S. and EU. Industry observers note these cases represent a troubling trend of intra-industry sabotage within cross-border e-commerce.
Analysis suggests several motivations behind such malicious complaints:
- Attempts to eliminate competition through artificial listing removals
- Extortion schemes leveraging the threat of continued complaints
- Retaliation for perceived business conflicts
- Abuse of trademark services by unethical intermediaries
Recommended Response Strategies
Sellers facing such complaints should consider the following response framework:
- Carefully review infringement notices: Analyze Amazon's notification for specific allegations and complainant information
- Conduct thorough self-audit: Verify whether any legitimate infringement exists before proceeding
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For unsubstantiated claims:
- Request evidentiary documentation from complainants
- Prepare detailed appeals demonstrating non-infringement
- Maintain professional communication with Amazon's resolution teams
- Monitor platform responses: Follow Amazon's guidance and provide requested documentation promptly
Industry Calls for Systemic Reform
E-commerce professionals emphasize the need for improved marketplace safeguards against abusive complaints. Key recommendations include:
- Enhanced verification of trademark complaint validity
- More robust appeal mechanisms for falsely accused sellers
- Stronger penalties for demonstrably malicious complainants
As cross-border e-commerce continues to grow, maintaining fair competition remains essential for sustainable industry development. Sellers are advised to focus on product quality and customer service while remaining vigilant against unfair competitive practices.