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If you sell on eBay, chances are you’ve heard of sellers getting flagged for intellectual property (IP) violations. For many, receiving a notice that a listing has been removed can feel confusing or even intimidating. The short answer is yes — you can get IP complaints on eBay. These complaints are managed through eBay’s Verified Rights Owner (VeRO) Program, which allows brand owners and their representatives to report potential infringements. While this may sound daunting, the good news is that sellers do have options for addressing these complaints and keeping their businesses running smoothly.
What Is an IP Complaint on eBay?
An IP complaint on eBay happens when a brand or intellectual property holder claims that a seller’s listing violates their rights. eBay created the VeRO Program specifically for this purpose. Through it, rights owners can report listings they believe infringe on their trademarks, copyrights, or other protections.
Common triggers for an IP complaint include:
- Using a company’s trademark or logo without permission.
- Copying images or descriptions directly from another seller or brand website.
- Selling counterfeit, knockoff, or unauthorized versions of branded goods.
While some complaints are legitimate, others may be overreaching or based on misunderstandings. Either way, knowing what these complaints mean is the first step toward dealing with them effectively.
How the VeRO Program Works
The VeRO Program gives intellectual property owners the power to request the removal of listings they believe infringe on their rights. When this happens, eBay takes down the listing and notifies the seller. Depending on the situation, sellers may receive warnings, temporary restrictions, or even account suspensions for repeated issues.
For sellers, this process can feel one-sided. eBay often defers to the rights owner, leaving limited room for the seller to explain their side. Still, sellers are not powerless. Understanding why the complaint was filed and what steps you can take in response is key to protecting your account.
Common Reasons Sellers Face IP Complaints
Not every IP complaint means you were intentionally doing something wrong. Many sellers are surprised to find that simple listing practices can trigger these reports. Common reasons include:
- Using stock photos or brand-owned images that you don’t have permission to use.
- Listing authentic items in a way that brands believe creates confusion for buyers.
- Selling items considered “unauthorized” or “gray market” goods, even if they’re real products.
- Accidentally using another company’s trademark in your listing title or keywords.
Because the rules can feel complicated, it’s easy for well-meaning sellers to get caught up in disputes they didn’t expect.
What Sellers Can Do if They Receive an IP Complaint
Getting a complaint notice isn’t the end of your business. There are steps you can take to handle the issue:
- Review the complaint carefully. Look at the reason provided and see whether it appears accurate.
- Correct genuine issues. If your listing truly used protected content without permission, remove it or update it.
- Reach out for clarification. Sometimes, contacting the brand directly can clear up misunderstandings.
- Keep records. Save all correspondence, screenshots, and product documentation in case you need to defend your position.
- Consider legal support. If the complaint seems unfair, an intellectual property litigation attorney can help you assess whether you have defenses available and what next steps make sense.
By taking action quickly, you show both eBay and rights owners that you take these matters seriously, which may help protect your account in the long run.
Why Having Support Matters
Even if you only sell part-time, repeated IP complaints can threaten your seller privileges. An account suspension can take away years of hard work and customer feedback. More importantly, not every complaint is correct. Sellers sometimes face overbroad claims that exceed the scope of what intellectual property law actually allows.
Having support when these issues arise can make all the difference. At The Keleher Appellate Law Group, LLC, we can help you evaluate whether the complaint is valid, gather the right documentation, and determine the best way forward. Knowing you have someone in your corner can keep your focus where it belongs: on your business.
Protecting Your Business from eBay IP Complaints
eBay’s VeRO Program makes it possible for intellectual property owners to enforce their rights, but it also puts sellers at risk of account disruptions. An IP complaint doesn’t have to shut down your business. With the right response and support, you can protect your account and move forward with confidence.
At The Keleher Appellate Law Group, LLC, we help sellers understand their options and defend against unfair claims. If you’ve been hit with a complaint and want to explore your defenses, contact us today to learn how we can support your eBay IP defense and safeguard your online business.