Recently, Amazon released a new set of rules called Amazon Intellectual Property policy for every automotive aftermarket supplier who list their products on Amazon. The rules elaborate on the usage of trademarked brand names in the right manner, so suppliers do not violate any rule and make their account inactive unintentionally. Amazon Trademark Violation regards protecting a company’s trademark and avoid breaching intellectual property rights.

Rise of Amazon Trademark Violation

To know the cause for new policy, it is vital to be informed about the meaning of Trademark. The Trademark is a word, symbol or design (logo/stylized brand name) that distinguishes a company and its products from the market crowd, and aids in identifying them. Trademarks are protected through registration in a country-specific trademark office. The rights are called as ‘Common law” Trademark rights and may be bound.

The designs/word/symbol is limited only to the usage of registered brands as per the provided details. Hence, Amazon found the need to set up essential rules to protect the interests of suppliers. Below is an example stating the right usage of brand names.

Example 1

Before

New Auto parts SMB0124 Alternator for Hyundai Accent 1.5L 1.6L 1999-2006, Elantra 2000-2006, Tiburon 2001-2006 37300-22600

After

New Auto parts SMB0124 Alternator Replacement for Hyundai Accent 1.5L 1.6L 1999-2006, Elantra 2000-2006, Tiburon 2001-2006 37300-22600

Example 2

Before

● Specs: Alternator, Voltage: 12, Amperage: 80, Rotation: CW, PULLEY CLASS: S4

● Replaces OEM Numbers: Hyundai ‎AB180128, 37300-22600, TA000A39101, 334-2589, 2-13839, 13839, 13839N

● Fits: Hyundai Accent 1.5L 1.6L 1999-2006, Elantra 2000-2006, Tiburon 2001-2006

● One Year Hassle Free Guarantee

● All Items Tested for Reliability, Durability and Performance

After

● Specs: Alternator, Voltage: 12, Amperage: 80, Rotation: CW, PULLEY CLASS: S4

● Replacement For: Hyundai ‎AB180128, 37300-22600, TA000A39101, 334-2589, 2-13839, 13839, 13839N

● Compatible With/Replacement For: Hyundai Accent 1.5L 1.6L 1999-2006, Elantra 2000-2006, Tiburon 2001-2006

● One Year Hassle Free Guarantee

● All Items Tested for Reliability, Durability and Performance

It is to be understood from the above-mentioned examples that the words “Replacement for”, “Compatible with”, “fits”, or “intended for” must be added mandatorily in titles, descriptions and bullet points before the respective brand names to comply with the rules.

Important points to remember

Amazon categorizes infringement into three levels.

● ASIN Level

If a product or package bears a trademark, but the brand does not produce the product, the entire ASIN or detail page can be reported for the act of infringement.

● Seller-level

If a particular offer from a seller infringes a trademark, then that offer can be reported. The product detail page and ASIN would still remain live on the report of an offer, as the reference to infringement directs towards the offer. Providing a test buy with a valid Order ID will be helpful.

● Product detail page

If a trademark is used on product detail page, but the product sold is not a concern’s product, the utilization of trademark can be reported.

Using Trademarks without triggering Amazon Trademark Violation

Amazon Trademark Violation does not get provoked in the following circumstances:

● Selling authentic goods using the trademarked name

● Using the trademarked word with traditional dictionary meaning

● Making genuine statements regarding the compatibility of the trademarked product

Consequences of Amazon Trademark Violation

When rules are infringed, as per the Amazon intellectual Policy, the respective accounts will become inactive after an unspecified time period. Keeping track of an account’s health rating is vital, and the specific dashboard displays the information regarding infringements if any. Once the rules are complied with, the account becomes active again.

Compliance of Amazon Intellectual property Policy by APA

APA complies with Amazon Intellectual Property policy to not trigger Amazon Trademark Violation, ensuring to comply with the recent rules released by the concern. APA takes genuine care in protecting interests of its customers and provides complete security in listing of products. Keep a watchful eye on your Amazon account and seek our guidance at any needed hour.

If you would like to know more about Amazon Trademark Violation