Founder
For Amazon sellers, an intellectual property (IP) complaint can feel like a shutdown notice—and in many cases, it is. Amazon regularly removes listings or suspends seller accounts in response to infringement claims, often without investigating whether the complaint has merit. For sellers whose business depends on marketplace visibility, even a temporary disruption can cause serious harm.
Whether the claim is legitimate, mistaken, or abusive, your response matters. Knowing what to do—and what not to do—can protect your store, your inventory, and your reputation.
What Triggers an Intellectual Property Complaint?
Amazon allows brand owners to report suspected IP violations through its internal reporting tools. These complaints typically fall into one of three categories:
- Trademark infringement: Unauthorized use of logos, brand names, or confusingly similar marks
- Copyright infringement: Use of protected images, written content, or packaging design
- Counterfeit claims: Allegations that a product is fake or misrepresents its origin
Some complaints are valid. Others are filed by competitors using IP law as a weapon. Amazon doesn’t vet the validity of most complaints—it acts quickly to limit platform risk, often leaving the seller to figure out what went wrong.
Immediate Steps to Take After Receiving a Complaint
If you receive an IP complaint, take a breath. How you respond in the first 24–48 hours can shape your entire defense. Here’s what to do right away:
- Review the complaint details: Identify the affected ASINs, the type of IP involved, and the complainant’s information
- Preserve documentation: Save invoices, purchase orders, design files, communications with suppliers, and anything else relevant
- Check your listings: Determine whether the complaint may have merit—are you using a logo or image you don’t own?
- Avoid contacting the complainant until you’ve reviewed the legal risk with counsel
- Do not submit a hasty appeal or admit fault unless you understand the implications.
If your account is not yet suspended, take preventative steps now. If it is, act promptly to preserve your ability to sell.
How to Respond Through Amazon’s Channels
Amazon offers a few ways to respond, depending on the nature of the complaint. Most sellers will submit a Plan of Action or appeal through Account Health.
A strong response includes:
- A clear, respectful explanation of why the complaint is mistaken or overreaching
- Proof of rights, such as a resale license, original design documents, or evidence of independent creation
- A description of the steps you’ve taken to prevent future issues (e.g., updating product listings, changing suppliers)
Avoid generic or emotional appeals. Amazon wants to see that you understand its policies, respect IP rights, and are capable of maintaining a compliant storefront.
When and Why to Contact an Attorney
If you believe the complaint is baseless—or if Amazon isn’t reinstating your listing after a legitimate appeal—it’s time to speak with a lawyer. The Keleher Appellate Law Group helps sellers navigate complex IP disputes that threaten their online businesses.
We represent sellers facing:
- Aggressive brand enforcement that exceeds actual trademark rights
- Abusive or repeat IP complaints from competitors
- Claims based on fair use, generic terms, or unprotectable content
- Amazon account suspensions triggered by IP takedowns
Our legal team can step in to prepare targeted responses, contact complainants directly, or pursue formal legal action if your business is being wrongly targeted. For sellers whose livelihoods depend on Amazon, we offer clear, strategic guidance backed by experience in both intellectual property and appellate litigation.
Don’t Let a Complaint Threaten Your Amazon Business
An IP complaint on Amazon isn’t the end of your business—but mishandling it could be. Responding quickly, strategically, and with the right legal support can mean the difference between getting reinstated and getting shut out.
The Keleher Appellate Law Group works with Amazon sellers nationwide to defend their rights and preserve their accounts. If your listings have been removed or your business is at risk, contact us to discuss your next move.