Receiving an intellectual property complaint on Amazon is alarming, but it happens to many sellers — sometimes legitimately and sometimes without merit. Understanding what IP complaints are, how to respond, and how to prevent them is essential knowledge.
Types of IP Complaints
Trademark infringement — Using a brand name, logo, or trademark without authorisation in your listing title, images, or description. This can also apply to selling products from brands that restrict third-party Amazon sellers.
Copyright infringement — Using images, product descriptions, or other creative content that belongs to someone else. Copying a competitor's product images or listing text is copyright infringement.
Patent infringement — Selling a product that is covered by an active patent held by another party. This is more common with private label products that may inadvertently copy a patented design.
Counterfeit claims — A brand alleging that your products are not genuine. This is the most serious type and can result in immediate listing removal.
When You Receive a Complaint
Amazon notifies you through Seller Central and email. The complaint appears on your Account Health Dashboard. Do not ignore it — even if you believe it is unfounded, you need to respond promptly.
First, understand what is being alleged. Read the complaint details carefully. Is it a trademark issue, a counterfeit claim, or something else? The appropriate response differs based on the type.
Responding to Legitimate Complaints
If the complaint is valid — you were unknowingly selling a restricted brand's products or using someone else's images — the best course of action is to remove the offending listing, acknowledge the issue, and take steps to prevent recurrence. Contact the rights holder to resolve the issue if possible.
Responding to False or Questionable Complaints
Some IP complaints are filed by competitors trying to remove your listing, or by brand owners who do not understand that reselling their products is legal (the first-sale doctrine allows resale of genuine products). If you have legitimate supply chain documentation proving your products are genuine and you have the right to sell them, submit this evidence through Amazon's appeal process.
Provide invoices from authorised suppliers, photos proving the products are genuine, and a clear explanation of your supply chain. Amazon reviews the evidence and may reinstate your listing.
Prevention
Source from authorised channels and keep invoices. Check whether brands have known restrictions on Amazon reselling before sourcing their products. Use your own product images and listing content rather than copying others. And be cautious with brands that are known to aggressively police their Amazon presence.
Multiple IP complaints — even if resolved — can trigger enhanced scrutiny on your account. Prevention is always better than resolution.