This article contains a detailed guide to reporting Amazon copyright infringement claims. It describes infringement, explains why it is essential to take action against it, and explains how to report it successfully. Furthermore, readers will become aware of Amazon’s intellectual property policies, which can assist them in safeguarding their products and services on Amazon and keeping their brands protected.
Copyright infringement is common. It is when someone wrongfully uses copyrighted material without permission. For example, this can use text, music, or images from other websites or books without obtaining permission from the authors or intellectual property rights owners. It may also involve selling counterfeit items, which would be an intellectual property rights infringement.
Amazon copyright infringement occurs when a seller uses another person’s intellectual assets without authorization. This includes:
Copying product descriptions, images, and other content.
The violator could also be subject to legal action from the copyright owner, including a lawsuit or settlement on the copyright violation.
Main Types Of Amazon Infringement
There are different types of infringements on Amazon, and below are the most common ones:
Trademark Infringement on Amazon
Trademarks are invaluable identifiers that set a product or brand apart from its competitors. These unique symbols can be words, phrases, logos, or other visual elements that distinguish the origin of the product and serve to protect it.
Therefore, if someone uses product and brand names without permission from the eligible brand owners, it is possible that they are having a trademark infringement issue.
Copyright Infringements
Copyrights are exclusive rights to creative works, including books, music, and artistry.
Regarding the Amazon marketplace, if someone copies the image and listing description and uses them in their listing, this will be a copyright violation and is, again, copyright law.
This can be further divided into the following scenarios:
Someone uses your image or text on their product or packaging without your permission.
Someone sells your patented products without your permission.
Someone sells parallel imports. This means that products are bought from one country and then imported to and sold in another country without the permission of the intellectual property owner from where it is imported from
You can then make a copyright infringement claim to Amazon as long as you can prove that you are the copyright owner, or you can act on the copyright owner’s behalf.
Right Of Publicity Infringement
Your right to publicity gives you the ability to regulate how your name, image, or likeness is employed.
If someone uses your name or image to try to sell their products without your permission, that infringes the right to publicity.
Amazon is serious about infringement and inspects more than 8 billion listing updates per day to detect infringement in its Project Zero program.
As long as you can prove you are the trademark or copyright owner or you act on their behalf, you have three ways to report the infringement. First, you must include all the details along with your physical or electronic signature in the Report.
Report An Amazon Infringement As Brand Owner
If you are enrolled in Amazon Brand Registry and feel that someone has trademark infringement issues, copyright, or right of publicity, take immediate action to report that to Amazon.
And after your search, you will be presented with a list of product information relating to your intellectual property.
Select the relevant listing.
At the top of the dashboard, select the issue type.
Choose the relevant infringement from the dropdown menu. Remember that copyright is a broad term. Your situation may involve a patent violation, copyright infringement, or trademark infringement.
According to the kind of infringement, Amazon may demand clarification. A trademark infringement, for example, could indicate that your logo has been utilized illegally in packaging design. Choose the best alternative for your conditions.
Select the infringed brand using the dropdown menu.
Amazon will demand that you write a statement explaining the facts of the case. Include information such as the ASIN and specific details about the infringing product. Include details about your trademark, copyright, or patent. Make it a point to clarify how the offending product/business infringes on your intellectual property rights.
Amazon will investigate your complaint and decide which party is correct.
Report Through The Infringement System
When you file complaints with the Report Infringement system, Amazon requires specific information to verify that you’re the I.P. owner.
Choose whether you are the rights owner or an agent representing the owner.
Choose your primary complaint from the dropdown menu. Your complaint will depend on the offending product listing.
Next, pick the specific concern. For example, indicate if the physical product or listing violates your I.P. rights.
Enter your brand name.
Create a written description of the copyrighted work or provide a link, then add any additional information you’d like to include.
From the Scope dropdown menu, Add the product’s ASIN and choose ASIN/ISBN-10.
Add your contact information.
Choose whether or not you’re an Amazon seller (non-sellers can report copyright violations too).
Then, Click Submit.
Amazon will review your complaint and decide what action to take. That could include removing the product listing and applying a strike to the offending seller account.
Write Amazon An Email Or A Letter
You can also email or write to Amazon’s copyright department to report copyright infringement.
You can email copyright@amazon.com or send a letter to Amazon’s copyright agent:
Copyright Agent
Amazon.com Legal Department
P.O. Box 81226
Seattle, WA 98108
Phone: (206) 266-4064
Fax: (206) 266-7010
Courier address:
Copyright Agent
Amazon.com Legal Department
410 Terry Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98109-5210
USA
What To Include In The Infringement Report
To ensure your copyright infringement report is complete and valid, please include the following details in it for all three reporting methods.:
To swiftly resolve the infringement of your I.P. rights, provide identification numbers for patents, copyrights, or trademarks. This will help speed up the claim-processing procedure.
If someone infringes on your copyright, you must furnish the exact location of the offending material on Amazon in as much detail as possible. Collect verification by capturing screenshots or pictures of the violating item, its URL, product I.D., and any other pertinent paperwork for evidence.
A statement by you to claim that the information provided is accurate and that you are the I.P. owner or are authorized to act on behalf of the I.P. owner
Your electronic or physical signature.
How To Avoid Amazon Infringement
Amazon takes trademark and copyright infringement seriously, and the violators can risk losing their selling privileges on Amazon or facing charges.
Infringement complaint resolution can take up to two weeks, so responding quickly is important.
How To Remove a Copyright Strike on Amazon
When Amazon determines that you have a copyright infringement on Amazon, your account will receive a strike.
As you probably guessed, it’s always better to avoid strikes before they ever happen. That’s why the Listing Quality Check tool is so important. Use it to avoid listing issues and ensure you follow all guidelines.
Amazon will only remove the strike if your counter-notice is successful. If a strike still happens, you should work directly with the filer to have the claim retracted. Otherwise, you’ll need to file a counter-notice.
You can protect your product and services on Amazon with the right information. Reporting Amazon infringement is an important part of this process. Ensure you understand how to identify and report a trademark or copyright infringement and write a clear and concise report.
Additionally, familiarize yourself with copyright and trademark infringement on Amazon and stay up-to-date on their guidelines. By doing so, you can protect your brand and your Amazon business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I report a copyright infringement on Amazon?
A: Reporting a copyright infringement on Amazon depends on whether or not you are registered with Brand Registry. You can use the Reporting Infringement system to file your complaint. Include all necessary details in your Report, including product title, listing URL, contact info, and any evidence. If you are not registered with Brand Registry, file your complaint using the Report Infringement system. You can also email or write a letter to Amazon’s copyright agent.
Q: What happens when I report an infringement on Amazon?
A: When Amazon receives a report of infringement, it will investigate the claim and take appropriate action to resolve it. This may include removing the infringing product listing and suspending the seller’s account. Additionally, the Amazon team may contact you for more information or details about the violation.
Q: How do I remove a copyright strike on Amazon?
A: If your account receives a strike due to an infringement from the copyright holder, you’ll need to file a counter-notice with Amazon. This can be done through the Reporting it on Infringement system. Alternatively, you can work directly with the filer to have the claim retracted. If your counter-notice is successful, Amazon will remove the strike from your account.
Q: How do I write a complaint about a trademark on Amazon?
A: To file a notice of infringement, visit Amazon’s Report Infringement form and complete it. This user-friendly space is designed for reporting an I.P. violation or I.P. infringement. By filling out this form, you can protect your valuable intellectual property from illegal misuse by unauthorized third parties.
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.
