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How to Respond to Intellectual Property Complaints

A Guide for Multichannel Sellers on Amazon, Walmart, and eBay

An Intellectual Property (IP) complaint is one of the most serious threats to your ecommerce business. Whether you’re dropshipping or selling private-label products, a single IP strike can suspend a listing—or your entire account.

This article explains how IP complaints work across major marketplaces, how to respond effectively, and how to prevent future violations using automation with EcomBiz.AI.

What Is an Intellectual Property Complaint?

An IP complaint is a claim that your product listing infringes on another party’s:

  • Trademark (brand name, logo, slogan)
  • Copyright (images, written content)
  • Patent (product design or utility function)

These complaints are usually filed by brand owners or their representatives and can result in:

  • Listing takedowns
  • Account warnings or suspensions
  • Permanent selling restrictions on certain products or brands

Common Triggers for IP Complaints

  • Using branded terms in titles (e.g., “compatible with Apple AirPods”)
  • Reusing manufacturer-provided images or descriptions
  • Listing trademarked products without authorization
  • Selling generic versions that look too similar to patented designs
  • Private-label dropshipping without vetting suppliers

How IP Complaints Work on Each Marketplace

🔶 Amazon

  • Immediate deactivation of listing
  • “Notice of Infringement” sent to seller
  • Seller must contact the rights owner and/or submit a Plan of Action
  • Multiple unresolved complaints = account suspension

🔷 Walmart

  • Listing suppression
  • “Violation of IP” notice in Seller Center
  • Response required within 7 days to avoid further action

🔵 eBay

  • Verified Rights Owner (VeRO) Program
  • Directly removes listings flagged by brand owners
  • Multiple flags may restrict seller privileges

Step-by-Step: How to Respond to an IP Complaint

1. Stay Calm and Identify the Issue

  • Read the full notice from the platform.
  • Confirm which product is affected and what type of IP is claimed.
  • Check your listing’s title, description, brand, and images.

2. Determine the Validity

Ask:

  • Did you use copyrighted images or copy the product description?
  • Did you use a trademarked brand name (even if it’s “compatible with…”)?
  • Is the item you listed truly generic or private label?

3. Reach Out to the Rights Owner

  • If contact information is provided, email the complainant politely.
  • Ask for details about the violation and request a retraction.
  • If you have permission to sell (e.g., via distributor or invoice), provide documentation.

📧 Sample Message to Brand Owner:

“Dear [Brand Name],
I recently received an IP complaint regarding [Product Title] on [Marketplace]. I am a reseller/distributor and would like to resolve this.
If there’s a misunderstanding, I’d appreciate your assistance in retracting the claim.
Thank you for your time.”

4. Submit a Plan of Action (Amazon Only)

Include:

  • Root cause (why the complaint occurred)
  • Corrective actions (what you did to fix it)
  • Preventive measures (what you’ll do to avoid it again)

5. Remove the Listing (If Necessary)

If the claim is valid or you cannot resolve it:

  • Delete the listing permanently.
  • Remove any similar listings that may raise further flags.

Best Practices to Prevent IP Complaints

✅ Use Only Original or Licensed Content
Don’t reuse manufacturer descriptions or images unless authorized.

✅ Avoid Trademarked Phrases in Listings
Never use brand names you don’t own or have permission to use.

✅ Vet Your Suppliers
Make sure your suppliers aren’t selling knockoffs or unauthorized goods.

✅ Keep Documentation
Maintain:

  • Invoices
  • Authorization letters
  • Brand agreements

✅ Use AI Tools Like EcomBiz.AI
EcomBiz.AI scans your listings before submission to flag possible:

  • Trademark conflicts
  • Duplicate copyrighted text
  • Policy violations across marketplaces

How EcomBiz.AI Helps You Stay Compliant

  • AI-powered compliance scans before listing submission
  • Automated listing formatting per platform rules
  • Real-time alerts for listing removals or policy flags
  • Centralized dashboard to monitor and respond to IP notices across Amazon, Walmart, eBay, and more

Final Thoughts

IP complaints can be devastating if ignored—but manageable if handled swiftly and professionally. Use this guide to respond calmly, professionally, and with evidence. Better yet, prevent future claims with the right tools and processes in place.

👉 Join the Waitlist and start protecting your business with smarter automation and compliance tools.

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