If you’ve received an IP complaint on Amazon, time is of the essence. Whether it’s a copyright claim, trademark infringement, or even a fake IP claim on Amazon, failing to act quickly can result in serious consequences, like your listing being removed or your account suspended. 

This guide walks you through what an Amazon IP complaint is, the different types of IP issues you may face, how to respond to them, and proactive steps to avoid future problems.

What Is an Amazon Intellectual Property (IP) Complaint?

An Amazon IP complaint is a formal report submitted to Amazon by a brand owner who believes that another seller is violating their intellectual property rights. Simply put, it’s a way for brand owners to address IP issues by protecting their trademarks, copyrights, or patents on the platform.

The IP claim specifically targets product listings that the brand believes are infringing on their intellectual property without consent. These listings are flagged for potential removal if Amazon finds the claim to be valid.

When Amazon receives a valid Amazon IP complaint, it may remove the offending listing and could even suspend the seller’s account, depending on the severity of the IP issues involved.

Also Read: Understanding IP Violations on Amazon: An Ultimate Guide

Common Reasons for IP Complaints on Amazon

The following are the common reasons for IP complaints on Amazon:

1. Copyright Infringement

These protect original content such as product images, written descriptions, or other creative assets. An IP complaint of this type may be filed if someone is using copyrighted material, like photos or descriptions, from another brand without authorization.

2 . Trademark Infringement 

A trademark refers to a unique word, logo, or symbol linked to a brand. An IP claim related to trademarks arises when a seller uses branding elements that are identical or confusingly similar to a registered mark, which can mislead customers or dilute the brand.

3. Patent Infringement 

Patents protect inventions or unique product designs. These IP issues occur when a product listed is similar to a patented one. This is common with physical products or devices that involve proprietary technology or innovation.

Main Types of Amazon IP Policy Violations

Amazon lists three main types of IP issues on your Account Health Dashboard in Seller Central.

1. Suspected Intellectual Property Violations

Using a brand name you don’t own to sell or describe a product can lead to a suspected IP issue. This also happens if you use someone else’s brand name or images, even if you include your own brand. For example, if your listing says “compatible with iPhone” or “works with Google devices,” Amazon might flag it and take it down.

That’s why you should be careful when mentioning brand names in listings. Always make sure you have permission to use any brand name or image.

Example: You sell a laptop sleeve and say, “designed to fit MacBook Air 13-inch.” Even if you don’t use the Apple logo, mentioning their product without permission can trigger a suspected trademark IP claim.

2. Received Intellectual Property Complaints 

If you sell a brand’s item without permission, you can get a formal Amazon IP complaint. The brand reports you to Amazon, and your listing gets taken down. To fix this, you can contact the brand and ask them to remove their IP claim. Or, you can send Amazon proof, like an invoice, showing where you got the product.

Example: You buy skincare products from a clearance supplier and list them on Amazon. If the brand says your source wasn’t authorized, they can file an IP complaint for selling without permission.

3. Product Authenticity Customer Complaints

If you unknowingly sell fake items, customers may complain. For instance, if you get items from Alibaba and ship them with FBA, and they turn out to be fake, it can lead to counterfeit complaints.

To avoid this, always check that your products are real and come from trusted sources to prevent IP issues and protect your account.

Example: You import Bluetooth earbuds from a supplier overseas. Customers say they don’t work and look different from the real thing, leading to complaints and an IP claim for counterfeit goods.

What to Do If You Receive an IP Complaint on Amazon

If you’re an Amazon seller accused of counterfeiting or IP violation, it’s important to respond quickly and carefully. Here’s how to deal with it step-by-step:

1. Understand the Details of the IP Claim

When a complaint is made, Amazon sends a notice to your email and Seller Central. It includes key details like the type of violation—trademark, copyright, or patent—the contact info of the person reporting it, and the flagged product listing.

Look for this in the complaint:

• Name of the complainant (IP owner or legal rep)
• Type of complaint (for example, copyright, trademark, or patent infringement)
• ASIN or listing affected
• The exact IP right being claimed (like a trademark number or patent ID)

IP violation notification from Amazon in Seller Central

2. Verify Whether the Claim Is Legitimate

Before you respond, figure out if the complaint is real or if it’s one of the fake IP claims on Amazon. Review your listing, images, and content. Ask yourself:

• Did I use copyrighted materials without approval?
• Is my listing too close to someone else’s trademark or logo?
• Does my product violate any patents?

If the claim is valid, fix it right away. If not, be ready to dispute it with facts.

3. Reach Out to the Rights Owner for Resolution

Amazon recommends that sellers contact the person who made the claim. Most Amazon IP violation removal cases can be solved without getting Amazon more involved. Here’s how:

• Stay polite and professional.
• Ask for more info if the complaint is unclear.
• Offer a solution, like editing or removing the listing. Many IP owners are open to settling things directly.

5. Submit an Explanation to Amazon

Follow Amazon’s instructions and send any documents they ask for. This may include:

• Invoices or purchase orders proving authenticity
• Letters from the brand giving you permission
• Amazon order IDs to show where your stock came from

6. Challenge the Complaint With an Appeal

If you’re sure the complaint is wrong and the rights owner won’t cooperate, file a trademark violation appeal or a counter-notice. This is a formal reply to Amazon, saying the complaint is invalid. Include:

• A full explanation of why the complaint is incorrect
• Documents showing you’re allowed to sell the item
• Your contact info and a statement made in good faith

Use this option only when you have solid proof. A failed appeal can make the situation worse. 

Recommended Read: How to Craft a Winning Plan of Action (POA) for Amazon Account Reinstatement?

Steps to appeal an Amazon IP complaint

Step 1: Identify the ASINs flagged for infringement

Start by reviewing your Account Health page or the notification from Amazon to find out which product listings (ASINs) were reported for violating intellectual property.

Step 2: Collect proof that your products are legitimate

To file an effective Amazon IP appeal, gather solid evidence that your products are genuine. This can include:

• Invoices from your supplier showing that the products are authentic
• Amazon order IDs if you bought the items from verified sellers on Amazon
• A signed authorization letter from the brand owner permitting you to sell their products (Amazon does not accept forwarded emails)
• In rare situations, a court order proving your product doesn’t violate any rights or showing that the IP claim is invalid

Step 3: Submit your appeal

Go to the notice in Seller Central that you want to challenge, click the Appeal button, and follow the instructions. Provide all necessary documents and explain your case clearly to complete your Amazon IP appeal.

How to Avoid IP Complaints and Protect Your Amazon Seller Account

By staying careful and proactive, you can reduce the chances of getting an Amazon IP complaint and help protect your seller account. Here are some key strategies to avoid IP complaints on Amazon:

1. Research Before You List

Before listing any item, do complete research to confirm the product does not violate any intellectual property rights. Check for existing trademarks, copyrights, or patents to avoid future IP claims or legal IP issues.

Also Read: The Do’s and Don’ts of Amazon Listing Title Optimization

2. Choose the Right Suppliers

Work with trusted and authorized suppliers when getting inventory. Buying from verified sources lowers the risk of unintentionally listing fake or unauthorized items that could lead to an IP complaint.

3. Confirm Your Product Is Genuine

Make sure your products are real before listing them. Review things like invoices, authenticity certificates, or brand agreements to confirm that the products are legitimate and not tied to potential IP issues.

4. Keep Your Documents Ready

Certain documents are key in handling IP claims and proving you have the right to sell a product. Having the right paperwork can make it easier to respond if an Amazon IP complaint comes up.

5. Get Proper Authorization

A valid letter of authorization from the brand owner is one of the most important documents. Amazon usually only accepts these letters directly from the brand. Letters from middlemen or third parties may not count as proof that you’re allowed to sell the product.

6. Use Invoices Correctly

Invoices help verify your supply chain and show where your products came from. However, Amazon has specific invoice requirements and might ask for more proof to resolve an IP complaint or confirm your inventory is authentic.

7. Follow Amazon’s Listing Guidelines

Following Amazon’s listing policies helps avoid inaccurate details or unauthorized use of a brand. Regularly review your listings to make sure they follow the rules and reduce the chance of receiving IP claims.

8. Don’t Use Protected Brand Content

Avoid using trademarks, logos, or other protected materials without permission. Always get clear approval from the brand owner before including any of their content to avoid IP issues.

9. Stay Up to Date on IP Policies

Keep learning about intellectual property laws that apply to your products. Make sure you understand Amazon’s rules on IP and follow both legal and platform-specific guidelines to avoid trouble.

10. Keep the Conversation Open

If you ever face a potential dispute, talk directly with brand owners or rights holders. Clear communication can help prevent small issues from becoming a formal Amazon IP complaint.

11. Respond Quickly to Claims

If you do get a valid IP claim, act quickly and handle it professionally. Whether that means removing the listing, showing proof your products are real, or working with the complainant, fast action helps keep IP issues from growing worse.