Watching your carefully developed products being copied and your sales eroded by competitors can be frustrating. Amazon has been strengthening its intellectual property protections, but success depends on understanding the proper procedures for filing complaints.
Taking Action Against Copyright Infringement
Amazon provides brand owners with efficient tools to report intellectual property violations. Below are two primary methods for submitting copyright infringement claims through the seller portal:
Method 1: Direct Search Reporting
- Log into Seller Central and search for "intellectual property infringement"
- Select "Report Infringement" from the results
- Enter the ASIN of the infringing product
- Select "Copyright infringement" as the violation type
- Identify specific infringing images
- Submit supporting documentation including copyright certificates
- Provide accurate rights holder contact information
- Review and submit the complaint
Method 2: Brand Registry Reporting
- Access the Brand Registry portal
- Navigate to the violation reporting section
- Select the appropriate marketplace
- Enter the target ASIN
- Identify infringing content
- Follow the same evidentiary requirements as Method 1
Essential Prerequisites for Complaint Submission
Before filing complaints, sellers must meet two critical requirements:
- Completed Brand Registry enrollment: Only registered brand owners can access infringement reporting tools.
- Valid intellectual property rights: Complainants must hold active trademarks or patents. Expired protections invalidate complaints.
Alternative Legal Remedies
When platform-based complaints prove insufficient, rights holders may pursue legal action through intellectual property attorneys. Legal professionals can gather evidence, file lawsuits, and seek damages for significant violations.
Protecting intellectual property requires proactive measures. Understanding Amazon's reporting systems and maintaining proper registrations enables sellers to defend their products effectively in the marketplace.