It can be hard to stand out from the competition when you are selling on Amazon. However, a brand can help a lot. That is why an increasing number of sellers are choosing private label mode.
But registering a brand is not always easy. According to USPTO, the average time of getting a new brand approved can take 12 ~ 18 months.
By cooperating with one of the twelve law firms vetted and verified by Amazon, you can “more quickly obtain intellectual property (IP) rights and brand protection in Amazon’s stores. “
This article will discuss the Amazon IP Accelerator Program, how it will help, how much it costs, who can use it, and how to apply. By reading this article, you will understand how to enroll in this program and the benefits you can obtain.
Amazon Brand Registry is a vital part of Amazon’s strategy to protect third-party sellers’ brand intellectual property and ensure a secure marketplace. It offers proactive detection, the capability to remove counterfeits, enhanced control over product detail pages, and increased online brand protection.
Amazon’s IP Accelerator program is Amazon’s way of connecting entrepreneurs with “a curated network of trusted IP law firms that provide high-quality IP-related services to help brands complete their trademark registration in a short time and at competitive rates.
Upon clicking “Sign Up” on the IP Accelerator Program page, you will be directed to a selection of vetted and trusted intellectual property law firms; these include:
Before selecting one of the IP accelerator firms, you can check their review numbers, ratings, service types, provider location, and provider language and decide.
Step 3 Talk to the firm
You can click on “contact provider” once you decide and talk to the selected law firm.
Step 4 Submit the document required and wait for Amazon’s approval.
Following your trademark application filing with the law firm, Amazon will swiftly email you and invite you to join Brand Registry. And once you complete the enrollment, Amazon will start its automated brand protections on you and provide you with access to the “report a violation tool” and other brand-building features.
With Amazon IP Accelerator, businesses can avoid unwanted imitations while safeguarding their creations and brand image.
How Can Amazon IP Accelerator Program Speed Up Trademark Registration?
Amazon IP Accelerator has made the trademark application process faster and easier.
As mentioned above, if you submit your application on USPTO, the average process will take 12 to 18 months.
However, if you decide to join the Amazon IP Accelerator program, once you apply with the listed law firm, Amazon will contact you and invite you to join Brand Registry.
By completing your enrolment, your brand will be protected on Amazon.
What Services Do Amazon IP Accelerator Law Firms Provide?
Amazon IP Accelerator law firms strive to provide a comprehensive suite of services to Amazon Sellers concerning Amazon’s intellectual property (IP) policies. These services include:
Trademark Renewals (between 5th and 6th year after registration)
Oppositions & Cancellations
Consent Agreements
These services enable clients to protect their intellectual property from infringement but also assist them in leveraging their legal assets to promote their business initiatives. Therefore, these enhanced offerings from intellectual property law firms offer invaluable value-added benefits to those seeking to protect their brands and inventions.
How Much Does It Cost To Join Amazon IP Accelerator Program
IP Accelerator is a free program, meaning Amazon will not charge you to connect with its list of trusted law firms. Once you have chosen the perfect legal representation for your trademark filing needs, it’s time to make payment and protect your business.
However, all the vetted law firms in this program are based in the United States and are more familiar with the United States Patent regulations.
Some law firms provide other language services, including Chinese, Japanese, Italian, French, Korean, German, and Spanish.
What To Do If The Trademark Is Denied?
Amazon monitors the status of your trademark registration through IP Accelerator regularly.
Once your application is denied, you will no longer enjoy the trademark protection features Amazon provides.
You will have to talk to your law firm and determine the problem.
Conclusion
Owning a brand is essential to stand out from the competitive Amazon marketplace. Luckily, with the help of the IP Accelerator Program, the trademark registration process will be massively sped up and will help you enroll in the Brand Registry sooner.
For those who have not registered a brand yet, signing up for the Amazon IP Accelerator Program is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get my brand recognized on Amazon?
To get approved for Amazon’s Brand Registry, you must provide Amazon with trademark information and supporting documentation proving that you own or have exclusive authority over your brand. Once approved, you’ll be able to access advanced features like Automatic Content Protection and Proactive Intellectual Property Protection, all designed to prevent unauthorized listings on Amazon and have more control over product detail pages, which helps customers shop confidently while increasing sales volume.
What happens if my trademark application is refused?
If you have signed up for the IP Accelerator program, you can talk to your law firms about this. Your lawyer will advise you on how to change and improve the application to pass the registration requirements during the next filing.
8-figure Amazon seller and serial online entrepreneur since 2015. Research and practice various online business models, and apply his in-depth learnings to further expand and grow his businesses as well as help others to achieve greater successes. Ex-VP of a high tech VC in Vancouver and a Management Consultant with over a decade of experience in the industry. Master's Degree from HEC Paris.