How to File Copyright Infringement on Amazon?

Copyright infringement is a serious issue, especially in the vast digital marketplace that is Amazon. Sellers often put their blood, sweat, and tears into creating unique products, only to have them copied by others.

Amazon, being a marketplace where millions of transactions happen daily, is no stranger to copyright disputes. Thankfully, Amazon provides a system for dealing with these problems, though it can be a bit tricky to navigate.

If you’ve found yourself in this frustrating situation, don’t worry! In this guide, I’ll break down how to file copyright infringement on Amazon, step by step. By the end of this, you’ll know exactly how to protect your intellectual property. Let’s dive right in!

What is Copyright Infringement?

Copyright infringement occurs when someone uses your original work—whether it’s a product design, artwork, written content, or something else—without your permission. If you’re selling on Amazon and someone else starts selling a copy of your copyrighted product or uses your images without consent, that’s where Amazon’s copyright infringement process comes in.

Copyright law protects original works such as:

• Text (like books, blog content, or product descriptions)
• Images (photos, illustrations, or product images)
• Designs (such as unique product designs or brand logos)

So, if someone’s lifting your product photos or imitating your designs, you have the right to take action!

Common Types of Copyright Infringement on Amazon

• Unauthorised Use of Product Images: Sellers may use images that are owned by other businesses or individuals without permission. This can happen when sellers copy images from competitors or other online sources, which is a violation of copyright law.
• Copying Product Descriptions: Reusing copyrighted product descriptions or text from another seller or manufacturer without permission can lead to copyright infringement. Each seller is expected to create unique and original content for their product listings.
• Brand Logos and Graphics: Sellers may sometimes use brand logos or copyrighted graphics in their listings without proper authorisation from the trademark or copyright holder. Even if a seller is offering authentic products, they must have permission to use the brand’s visual assets.
• Unauthorised Video Use: With the rise of video content, sellers may use product review videos, advertisements, or other media without the creator’s consent. Unauthorised use of videos is a clear form of copyright infringement.

How to File Copyright Infringement on Amazon?

Let’s break it down into a series of steps. Don’t worry, it’s not as intimidating as it seems. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll feel more confident protecting your intellectual property.

Step 1: Collect Proof of Copyright

You can’t just point fingers at someone and yell “infringement!” Amazon will need clear evidence that you own the copyright for the material in question. This could include:

• Registration of the copyright: It’s always a good idea to officially register your copyright with the copyright office in your country. In the U.S., you can register with the U.S. Copyright Office.
• Original documents: If you have original design files, product development images, or even drafts, these can help support your case.
• Publication dates: If the item has been published on your website or any other platform before the other party’s listing appeared, this is good evidence.

Step 2: Identify the Infringing Listing

Once you’ve gathered sufficient proof that your content has been infringed upon, the next step is to locate the listing on Amazon’s marketplace where the violation is occurring.

Carefully search through Amazon’s platform and find the specific product page that is using your copyrighted material without permission.

Take detailed notes of the URL, ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number), and relevant seller information. This information is crucial when filing a formal complaint. The more specific you are in identifying the infringing listing, the easier it will be for Amazon to take appropriate action.

Step 3: Fill Out Amazon’s Report Infringement Form

Amazon provides a handy form specifically for reporting intellectual property violations. Here’s how to access it:

Head over to the Amazon Brand Registry or simply search for “Amazon Report Infringement” in your browser. (I’ll drop the link for you: Amazon Report Infringement).

You’ll be directed to a form where you’ll need to provide the following details:

• Your contact information (you must be the owner or a representative)
• The specific copyrighted work being infringed (provide links, dates, and documents)
• ASIN of the infringing product
• Detailed explanation of how the product infringes on your copyright

Step 4: Wait for Amazon’s Response

After submitting your copyright infringement complaint, Amazon will begin reviewing your case. Typically, you can expect a response within 5 to 10 business days, though this timeframe may be extended during high-traffic periods.

Throughout the process, Amazon will evaluate the details of your claim and verify if the content in question violates their intellectual property policies. If they determine your claim is valid, Amazon will take swift action, which usually involves removing the infringing listing from their platform.

Rest assured that Amazon takes intellectual property infringement seriously and prioritises the protection of intellectual property rights. Be patient and monitor your inbox for any updates regarding your case.

Step 5: Monitor the Results and Follow Up

Once Amazon reviews your claim, you will receive an email detailing the outcome. If your claim is accepted, Amazon will either remove the infringing content or take action against the seller, such as suspending their account. However, if the other party disputes your claim, Amazon may request additional documentation, which could extend the resolution process.

A pro tip: If Amazon doesn’t act promptly, or if the infringer relists the product under a different name, follow up with Amazon to ensure the issue is addressed. Persistence is key in these situations, and following up can help expedite the process or prevent further violations.

Stay vigilant and keep tracking the situation until it’s fully resolved.

What Happens After You File the Claim?

Okay, so you’ve filed the claim. Now what?

Amazon doesn’t take these matters lightly. Once the complaint is processed and found to be legitimate, they take swift action.

Here are the possible outcomes:

• Removal of the Infringing Listing: If the platform finds that the listing violates your copyright, they will remove the offending product from their marketplace. This ensures that the infringing material is no longer accessible to buyers.
• Seller Account Suspension: If the seller is a repeat offender or the violation is severe, it may suspend their account. This prevents them from continuing to sell infringing or fake products on the platform.
• Preventing Future Listings: The platform may block the infringing seller from creating similar listings in the future, ensuring that the issue does not recur under a different name or product variation.

However, the process doesn’t end here. The alleged infringer has the right to respond by filing a counter-notification. If they believe the claim was made in error or that their listing does not infringe upon your rights, they can appeal the decision.

In this case, this e-commerce platform may temporarily restore their listing while further investigating the claim. This can prolong the resolution process, so it’s important to remain vigilant throughout.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing Copyright Infringement on Amazon

It’s easy to make mistakes when dealing with copyright issues, especially if you’re new to the process. Here are some common errors to watch out for:

Failing to Gather Sufficient Proof: One of the most common errors is not providing enough evidence to support your claim.

Amazon requires clear proof that you own the copyrighted material. This can include registration certificates, original files, or detailed documentation showing that you’re the original creator. Without sufficient proof, Amazon is likely to reject your complaint.

Filing for Non-Copyrightable Material: Not everything can be protected by copyright law. Concepts like general ideas, methods of operation, facts, and short phrases are not eligible for copyright protection.

If you file a claim for something that isn’t copyrightable, this e-commerce platform will dismiss your case. Always ensure that the material you’re protecting falls under copyright law before filing a complaint.

Not Following Up: After filing your claim, it’s easy to assume that Amazon will resolve the issue quickly. However, sometimes cases slip through the cracks, or processing times may be delayed. If you don’t hear back within 10–15 business days, it’s important to follow up. A quick check-in can help ensure that your case is still being reviewed and that no issues have been overlooked.

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you’ll improve your chances of successfully protecting your content on the e-commerce platform.

Table: Key Information Needed for Filing

Requirement	Details
Proof of Copyright	Registration, documents, original files
Infringing Listing Information	ASIN, URL, seller’s name
Filing Location	Amazon Report Infringement Form
Response Time from Amazon	5–10 business days (may vary)
Follow-up if No Response	Contact Amazon or re-submit after 15 business days

What If Amazon Rejects Your Claim?

Don’t panic! If Amazon rejects your copyright infringement claim, it’s not the end of the road. Take a deep breath and carefully review your submission. Often, rejections happen because the provided evidence wasn’t sufficient, or there was a misunderstanding about the work you were trying to protect.

Here are some steps you can take to move forward:

Revise Your Submission: First, go back through your original submission and ensure all required documentation was included. Make sure your evidence clearly proves that you are the rightful owner of the copyrighted material. This might involve adding proof of copyright registration, original files, or more detailed explanations about how your work was infringed.

Consult a Lawyer: If you’re certain that this e-commerce platform made an error in rejecting your claim, consider seeking advice from an intellectual property attorney. A lawyer can help you comprehend Amazon’s decision and guide you through the appeal process, increasing your chances of success.

Use External Channels: If the platform’s internal process isn’t yielding results, you can bypass it by filing a DMCA takedown notice directly. Under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, this legal notice requires platforms like Amazon to remove infringing content. In some cases, going this route can be more effective and lead to quicker results.

By following these steps, you can better handle a claim rejection and work towards protecting your intellectual property.

How to Avoid Copyright Issues on Amazon in the First Place?

While filing copyright infringement claims can protect your intellectual property, the most effective strategy is to prevent issues before they arise. Here are some proactive steps to safeguard your work on Amazon:

Register Your Copyright: One of the best ways to protect your original works—whether they are products, images, or written content—is to officially register your copyright. This provides legal documentation proving that you own the rights to the material and strengthens your case in the event of a dispute.

Use Watermarks: To protect product images and artwork from being copied, consider adding a watermark. This simple but effective step can deter others from stealing your images and helps to prove ownership if a violation occurs.

Document Your Creative Process: Keep detailed records of your creative process, including sketches, prototypes, drafts, and development stages. These records can serve as evidence in proving that the work is originally yours and was created by you.

Regularly Monitor Competitors’ Listings: Regularly check Amazon for any unauthorised use of your content. This allows you to spot potential infringement issues early, so you can address them before they become widespread.

By taking these steps, you can minimise the risk of copyright infringement and maintain control over your intellectual property on the e-commerce platform, reducing the likelihood of needing to file claims later on.

What’s Next?

Filing a copyright infringement claim on Amazon is essential for intellectual property rights owners to protect their work and maintain control over their creative content.

As an online retailer, Amazon offers a platform for millions of sellers, but this also opens the door to intellectual property rights infringement, including unauthorised use of images, product details, and counterfeit products.

To ensure your intellectual property is safeguarded, eligible brand owners should file a report of infringement through Amazon’s system. Ensure that you include all relevant evidence, such as copyrighted images, and clearly outline the seller policy violations and any inappropriate listings. This process applies to cases involving copyright infringement items, grey-market versions of products, and violations of image restrictions.

However, protecting your content doesn’t stop at filing claims. Business owners should also consider proactive protections, like registering copyrights, monitoring competitors’ product listings, and following the platform’s guidelines for eligible brand owners.

In the digital marketplace, verifying the authenticity of digital products and sellers is crucial. Bytescare’s E-Commerce Surveillance conducts anonymous purchases to confirm product legitimacy and seller credibility, enhancing customer trust and loyalty. Verify product legitimacy and reinforce your brand’s reputation. Protect your customers from counterfeit products. Contact us to learn more about our verification processes.

By taking these steps, you’ll strengthen your brand’s presence on Amazon while protecting your intellectual property. 

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