How Do You Appeal an Amazon Intellectual Property Violation?
Amazon Sellers Appeal, operated by ASA Compliance Group and led by Or Shamosh, has handled 5,500+ seller cases since 2016.
We handle account suspensions, listing appeals and compliance cases, from the first review through submissions and follow‑ups.
To appeal an Amazon intellectual property violation, first check whether the complaint concerns a trademark, copyrighted content or a patent. Open the violation in Account Health, read what Amazon asks you to provide and submit evidence that answers that complaint. An invoice may help explain where you bought a product, but it does not give you permission to use someone else’s photographs.
Is this suspected infringement or a rights-owner complaint?
Read the exact Account Health item and Performance Notification. A suspected-infringement notice and a complaint naming a rights owner can offer different response options. Keep the complaint number, affected ASINs, type of infringement and the contact details Amazon provides.
Amazon staff’s IP complaint guidance describes response options for rights-owner complaints. Follow the response options shown for your particular complaint.
| Question | What to check |
|---|---|
| Who raised the issue? | Amazon notice or a named rights-owner complaint, as stated |
| What right is named? | Trademark, copyright, patent or another specified right |
| What is challenged? | Product, packaging, image, text, brand field or other listing use |
| Which identifiers apply? | Complaint reference, ASINs, marketplace and any registration number |
| What response is offered? | Correction, acknowledgment, dispute, retraction or other stated process |
What evidence do you need to appeal an Amazon IP complaint?
Choose evidence for the problem Amazon identifies. For example, proof that you bought genuine kitchen utensils does not answer a complaint that you copied a brand’s product photographs. You would need permission to use those photographs, or evidence that the copyright complaint is mistaken.
| Concern | Evidence to check | What you still need to check |
|---|---|---|
| Trademark use or authenticity | Product and packaging photos, supplier invoices and any brand authorization | Permission to use every image or an answer to a patent claim |
| Copyright in images or text | Your original photographs or written permission to use the photographs or text | That a product invoice includes a license to copy marketing material |
| Design or utility patent | The patent number, the product design and an assessment by an appropriate IP professional | That a different brand name or supplier invoice resolves the allegation |
| Your own claimed rights | Your trademark, copyright or patent ownership documents for the relevant country | That every challenged use or product falls within those rights |
Use authorization checks for the scope of a permission letter. For sourcing concerns, use the invoice review. For a patent allegation or disputed legal scope, the next step is qualified review of the actual right and product, rather than a generic appeal template.
When should you contact the rights owner?
Contact the rights owner when you need to understand the complaint, show existing permission or ask them to withdraw a mistaken complaint. Include the complaint number and affected ASINs, then ask a specific question.
“We received your copyright complaint about the photographs on our kitchen utensil listing. We have written permission from the photographer to use these images. Please confirm which photograph your complaint concerns so we can check the permission and send the relevant information.”
Add the complaint number and ASIN from Amazon’s message. Only say you have permission if you can provide it. This example asks a clear question without assuming the complaint is wrong.
What does an IP complaint retraction resolve?
A retraction means the rights owner withdraws the complaint through Amazon’s process. Check which complaint and ASINs it covers, and whether Amazon has received it. Then separately check the listing and account status. A message saying the parties have spoken is not the same as confirmation that the complaint was withdrawn.
Example 1: a brand confirms that the seller’s existing image license covers the specific photograph and period. The seller asks the complainant to review the permission and use Amazon’s retraction process if the complaint was mistaken.
Example 2: the complaint alleges that the physical product infringes a patent. The seller only has a wholesale invoice. That invoice identifies a purchase but does not resolve the patent question. The product and the claimed right need qualified assessment before choosing a dispute.
Keep the messages and withdrawal confirmation with Amazon’s original complaint email. If other restrictions remain, address their separate requirements rather than assuming the retraction resolved the whole account.
What if the rights owner will not retract the complaint?
Review the available response options and the evidence supporting your position. If the notice offers a dispute route, explain why you believe the complaint is mistaken and attach the evidence. If the issue occurred and the workflow asks for corrective action, describe the actual correction and how you will prevent the same problem.
Get appropriate legal advice before submitting a formal copyright counter-notice, challenging a patent or responding to a court order. Those actions can have legal consequences beyond the Amazon listing. Amazon seller legal support can be considered where the case requires that assessment.
Should you change the listing before appealing an IP violation?
Preserve a copy of the challenged listing first. If you establish that an image or wording is unauthorized, document the relevant correction and check other affected listings. If you dispute the allegation, preserve the evidence supporting the dispute and avoid speculative changes that obscure what was challenged.
An edit may address a particular use without resolving every complaint against the product. Explain what you changed and keep a dated copy, and use the response option shown for the violation. Do not describe deleting the listing as confirmation that the violation has been resolved.
What should you check after an IP appeal decision?
- Read the exact complaint and ASIN scope of the decision.
- Check the corresponding Account Health item and any outstanding request.
- Check offer eligibility and actual listing status separately.
- Retain the submitted documents, messages with the rights owner and response dates.
After rejection, compare the stated gap with your evidence: an unanswered copyright question, incomplete permission or evidence about the wrong product. Use the guide to responding to a rejected Amazon appeal to record what must change. Do not add a second generic apology when the question concerns a specific license or product feature.
Need help with an Amazon intellectual property complaint?
Send Amazon Sellers Appeal Amazon’s infringement email, the documents already submitted and the latest response. Include the marketplace, affected products and any deadline so the team can assess the actual case.