How to Protect Your Brand From Getting an Amazon IP Complaint

September 19, 2025
How to avoid IP complaints on Amazon? - KwickMetrics
Reading Time: 7 minutes

Amazon IP complaints like trademark, copyright, patent, or counterfeit can remove listings, hurt Account Health, and even suspend your account. Prevent them by sourcing from authorized suppliers, creating original content, avoiding competitor brand names, and enrolling in Brand Registry. If you get a complaint, act fast: review details, fix content, appeal if invalid. Optimizing listings in line with Amazon’s guidelines is more important.

Introduction

Imagine waking up to find your top-selling product suddenly gone from Amazon search. No warning, no explanation, just a message that your listing has been deactivated due to an IP complaint. 

This is the nightmare many sellers face. And the truth is, it doesn’t always happen because you broke the rules on purpose. Sometimes, it’s a small mistake like using competitor’s brand name in your keywords, that triggers it. 

In this guide, we’ll break down IP complaints in simple, non-legal language so every seller can understand: 

  • What Amazon IP complaints are?
  • Why they happen?
  • How to avoid them?
  • What to do if you get IP complaint?
  • How to raise a complaint if someone steals your brand?

We’ll show how sellers need to stay compliant by optimizing product listings in line with Amazon’s rules—so you can focus on growing sales, not fighting complaints.

What is an Amazon IP Complaint?

An IP complaint happens when a brand or rights owner reports to Amazon that a seller is using their intellectual property without permission. Once reported, Amazon usually acts immediately by removing the listing. 

Amazon takes these complaints very seriously and usually acts immediately by removing your listing. 

The four common types are: 

  • Trademark complaints – Unauthorized use of brand names or logos. 
  • Copyright complaints – Copying text, product descriptions, or images. 
  • Patent/design complaints – Selling a product that copies another’s design or invention. 
  • Counterfeit complaints – Selling fake or unauthorized products under a brand name. 

What Triggers Amazon IP Complaints? 

  • Using someone else’s brand name in your title, description, or backend keywords. 
  • Copy-pasting product descriptions or using manufacturer photos. 
  • Sourcing products from suppliers who don’t provide proof of authenticity. 
  • Selling lookalike products that violate design patents. 

Even if you didn’t intend to break the rules, like misusing another brand’s name, copying content, or listing unverified products. Amazon still treats these actions as violations. 

What Triggers Amazon IP Complaints?

  • Using someone else’s brand name in your title, description, or backend keywords. 
  • Copy-pasting product descriptions or using manufacturer photos. 
  • Sourcing products from suppliers who don’t provide proof of authenticity. 
  • Selling lookalike products that violate design patents. 

Even if you didn’t intend to break the rules, like misusing another brand’s name, copying content, or listing unverified products. Amazon still treats these actions as violations.

How IP Complaints Impact your Seller Account?

  • Listing removal – Your product disappears instantly. 
  • Account Health hit – Your Account Health Rating may show “At Risk.” 
  • Sales loss – No Buy Box means no conversions. 
  • Suspension risk – Multiple complaints, especially for counterfeit, can shut your account. 
IP Complaints Impact the Seller Account

How to Protect your Brand from IP Complaints?

  • Buy only from authorized suppliers. 
  • Don’t use competitor brand names anywhere in your listings. 
  • Write original descriptions and bullet points. 
  • Take your own product photos. 
  • Register your brand with Amazon Brand Registry. 
  • Keep invoices, authorization letters, and trademark papers handy. 

💡 Pro Tip: Always run a quick self-audit checklist before publishing a new listing: 

  • Avoid brand names (unless authorized). 
  • Double-check keywords for trademarks. 
  • Use only original text and images. 
  • Keep invoices scanned and accessible. 

This simple habit can save you from most IP complaints. 

What to do if you Receive an IP Complaint?

1. Trademark Complaint

  • Why it happens: You used a brand name/logo without permission. 
  • How to fix: Remove the brand name from your title, bullets, or backend keywords. Submit invoices showing authenticity if you’re authorized. 
  • Next step: File an appeal in Seller Central with a Plan of Action (POA) explaining the mistake, the fix, and avoid it in the future by attaching authorization letters. 
  • Resolution: Amazon usually reviews within 2–5 business days. If accepted, the listing/account may be reinstated. If denied, you’ll need to revise your POA and resubmit. 

2. Copyright Complaint

  • Why it happens: You copied text, bullet points, or product images. 
  • How to fix: Replace copied content with your own original descriptions and photos. Share proof that your content is original if challenged. 
  • Next step: Submit a Plan of Action (POA) through Seller Central. Explain the changes made, include timestamps/screenshots of new content, and attach any copyright registration or original source files. 
  • Resolution: Amazon usually reviews within 2–5 business days. If the rights owner withdraws or Amazon accepts your proof, your listing may be reinstated.

3. Patent/Design Complaint

  • Why it happens: Your product is too similar to a patented design or invention. 
  • How to fix: Pause sales of that product. If you believe it’s different, provide technical drawings or legal proof to contest the claim. 
  • Next step: Contact the rights owner (patent holder) via the email provided in the complaint notice. If you dispute the claim, provide detailed product documentation or legal support. File a POA with Amazon outlining your action (pause sales, redesign, or contest). 
  • Resolution: Timelines vary. If it’s a simple mistake and rights owner retracts, it may take 5–10 business days. If it escalates into a legal matter, resolution could take weeks or longer.

4. Counterfeit Complaint

  • Why it happens: Your supplier sold you fake or unauthorized goods. 
  • How to fix: Provide invoices or authorization letters to show product authenticity. If goods were counterfeit, stop selling immediately and switch suppliers. 
  • Next step: Submit a POA with valid supplier invoices (dated, with supplier details), and explain preventive measures (switching suppliers, better checks). Reach out to the rights owner for complaint withdrawal if products are authentic. 
  • Resolution: Amazon generally reviews within 2–5 business days. If invoices are accepted, the complaint is resolved and your listing may return. If rejected, you may need to escalate with stronger documentation. 
  • Tip for all cases:
  • Amazon doesn’t automatically reinstate your listing/account once you “fix” the issue. A Plan of Action (POA) plus supporting documents is always required, followed by Amazon’s review.
Things to Do If Receive an IP Complaint

General Resolution - If you receive an IP Complaint

  • Respond quickly in Seller Central. Amazon expects a reply within 7 days, best within 48 hours. 
  • If reseller → contact rights owner. Amazon itself advises resellers to request retractions from the rights owner using the email provided in the complaint notice. 
  • If brand owner → no need to contact rights owner. If you are the rights owner, you don’t “ask yourself” — instead, you fix the listing (if Amazon misinterpreted) and provide proof of ownership (e.g., trademark certificate). 
  • Submit Plan of Action (POA) → Correct. Amazon always requires a POA + documents to resolve complaints, even if content has already been edited.

Best Practices for Long-Term Safety

  • Training team: Prevents accidental keyword/brand misuse. 
  • Compliance checks before launch and recommended by Amazon Seller Central. 
  • Critical documents list: 
    • Supplier invoices (must show supplier info & product details) . 
    • Authorization letters (needed for resellers of branded goods). 
    • Trademark certificates (for Brand Registry). 
    • Copyright registration or proof of authorship (important for content/IP disputes). 
    • Patent/design certificates, for design/patent protection. 
  • Stay updated: Amazon frequently updates policies. 
  • Monitor listings- Amazon and legal experts recommend proactive monitoring. Tools like KwickMetrics can assist here. 

Who can Raise an IP Complaint?

  • Copyright owners can file complaints for text/images/videos. 
  • Patent/design holders, can file for product patent/design misuse. 
  • Amazon customers: They cannot file a “formal IP complaint” but can report suspected counterfeit items. Amazon then investigates, which often leads to a complaint flag. 
  • Only rights holders or their authorized agents can officially file IP complaints. Amazon’s policy clearly states this. 

How to Raise an IP Complaint against Other Sellers?

If someone misuses your brand, you can file a complaint. Here’s how based on type: 

  • Trademark misuse – Upload your trademark registration and screenshots of misuse. 
  • Copyright infringement – Provide proof you created the original text or images. 
  • Patent/design violation – Attach your patent details and proof of infringement. 
  • Counterfeit goods – Share invoices, photos of your genuine products, and proof that the other seller’s items are fake. 

File through Amazon’s Report Infringement Form or your Brand Registry dashboard. 

Warning: Don’t misuse this system. False complaints can hurt your account too.

Common Myths about Amazon IP Complaints

  • “If I buy from a wholesaler, I’m safe.” → Not unless they’re authorized distributors. 
  • “Backend keywords don’t count.” → They do—brand names here are still violations. 
  • “Small sellers won’t get flagged.” → Amazon monitors everyone equally.

Conclusion & Key Takeaways

Amazon IP complaints are serious, but they don’t have to destroy your business. By sourcing responsibly, creating original content, and keeping proper documentation, you can stay safe. 

Key tips: 

  • Avoid using other brands’ names. 
  • Keep invoices and proofs ready. 
  • Enroll in Brand Registry. 
  • Act quickly if you receive a complaint. 
  • Protect your own brand by filing complaints against infringers the right way. 

Compares your product pages with Amazon’s guidelines, check risky practices, and helps you stay ahead of IP issues. 

That means more peace of mind, fewer complaints, and stronger growth.

Get Your Questions Answered (FAQ)

Resolved IP complaints remain visible indefinitely but stop affecting your Account Health Rating after 180 days.

Amazon notifies you through Performance Notifications in Seller Central, your Account Health Dashboard, and an email to your registered address. Always check your Account Health section regularly. If you get messages outside Seller Central (like WhatsApp or social media), they’re likely scams.

You should respond to an Amazon IP complaint within 7 days of receiving it. However, it’s best to act within 48 hours, review the details, remove infringing content, and contact the rights owner. Quick action shows Amazon you take compliance seriously and helps protect your Account Health Rating.

Yes. Many sellers think backend keywords are invisible, but Amazon still scans them for trademark violations. Using competitor brand names in backend keywords can lead to IP complaints just like using them in titles or bullets.

Always keep: 

  • Supplier invoices with name, address, contact details. 
  • Authorization letters (if you’re selling branded goods). 
  • Trademark or copyright registration certificates (for private label sellers). 
  • Amazon usually asks for these when you make a complaint.

Yes. Even if the product looks genuine, some overseas suppliers sell unauthorized or counterfeit goods. If the original brand files a complaint, Amazon will hold you responsible. Always verify suppliers and request proof of brand authorization.

Yes. An IP complaint lowers your Account Health Rating (AHR), which directly impacts your Buy Box eligibility. Even after resolving a complaint, it can take time to rebuild trust and win the Buy Box again.

It’s risky. Even if your product works with a popular brand, mentioning it without explicit authorization can trigger a trademark complaint. Instead, use generic terms like “works with most smart devices” unless you have approval from the brand.