A utility patent grants the inventor exclusive rights to a product’s functional aspects, such as how it works, how it’s constructed, or how it is used. This contrasts with design patents, which cover only the ornamental or aesthetic aspects of a product. Utility patents typically last up to 20 years, giving the patent holder the right to exclude others from making, using, selling, or importing the patented product in the U.S. This type of patent is commonly used in various industries, especially for innovations with unique mechanisms or technical improvements.

For example, a utility patent could cover the unique mechanism of a collapsible umbrella, protecting the specific way it opens and closes. If another seller attempts to offer a similar product with the same functional mechanism, they may be infringing on the patent, which could lead to legal action.

Copyright infringement occurs when someone uses or reproduces copyrighted material without permission. For Amazon sellers, this often includes unauthorized use of images, text, or other creative content in product listings. Violating copyright can lead to complaints, listing removal, and even legal action if not addressed properly.

Amazon requires sellers to have legitimate rights to any images, descriptions, or videos they use in their listings. Even if you believe an image is public domain or free to use, it’s essential to verify copyright status to avoid unintended infringement.

A Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is a legal order often used in intellectual property (IP) disputes to temporarily block certain actions by a party, such as selling specific products or accessing funds. In the context of Amazon, a TRO may freeze a seller’s funds and restrict certain product listings. This can leave sellers without access to revenue, potentially affecting their entire business operation until the matter is resolved.

TROs are typically filed by brand owners or IP rights holders who believe a seller has infringed on their intellectual property. This could be due to alleged misuse of a trademarked term, a patented product design, or even copyrighted images. Many sellers are surprised by these claims, especially if they believed they were using generic terms or commonly available designs. Once the TRO is issued, Amazon acts swiftly to enforce the court order, freezing funds and restricting listings without prior notice to the seller. Amazon’s role is to notify the seller after enforcement, providing contact information for the plaintiff’s attorney, leaving sellers with little time to react.

An incorrect detail page refers to a product page that contains inaccurate, misleading, or incomplete information about a product. This can include incorrect product titles, descriptions, images, bullet points, or key product features that do not align with the actual item being sold. Amazon’s guidelines are designed to ensure that the information on a product page accurately represents the product and does not mislead customers.

Example: If a product is advertised as a wireless headset in the title but requires a wired connection, that would be considered an incorrect detail page. Similarly, if images show an upgraded model while the seller is shipping an older version, it would also be classified as a violation.

A counterfeit claim arises when a product sold on Amazon is alleged to be a fake or unauthorized copy of an original brand. Amazon defines a counterfeit item as one that imitates or reproduces the brand’s trademarked products without permission. Counterfeit claims can originate from customers, brand owners, or even Amazon itself through automated checks.

Example: If a customer purchases a high-end watch from your listing but believes it is not genuine based on its quality or packaging, they may file a counterfeit claim. Similarly, if a brand owner detects unauthorized replicas of their products being sold, they can report the listings to Amazon, which may trigger listing deactivation or listing suspension.

A defective item refers to a product that is damaged, faulty, or not functioning as advertised. When customers receive defective products, it leads to a poor shopping experience, resulting in returns, negative reviews, and complaints to Amazon. Sellers whose products consistently receive such complaints are likely to face suspensions or listing deactivations.

Example: If you’re selling a blender and customers report that the motor stops working after a few uses, Amazon may categorize it as a defective item. If the issue persists and leads to multiple complaints, your listing could be at risk of suspension or deactivation.

An ASIN is a unique alphanumeric identifier assigned to every product listed on Amazon. It allows Amazon to organize its catalog and helps customers find products quickly. When creating new products or variations, sellers must create or assign new ASINs to those items. Amazon requires that each ASIN be unique and that sellers do not create unnecessary or duplicate ASINs, which could clutter the marketplace and confuse customers.

Example: If you’re listing a new color or size of an existing product, it must be categorized as a variation of the original ASIN rather than creating an entirely new listing.

Parallel imports, also known as grey market goods, are genuine products sold outside the brand owner’s authorized distribution channels. While these products are not counterfeit, they are imported and sold without the brand owner’s consent, often at lower prices or in different regions. The key difference between parallel imports and counterfeit goods is that parallel imports are real, authentic products but are not approved by the brand owner for distribution in a particular market.

Example: A seller might source electronics or luxury goods from a region where prices are lower and sell them in a market where the brand charges a premium. This can attract customers looking for deals, but it can also result in suspensions if the brand owner reports the products as unauthorized sales.

If customers receive products with different packaging, language, or specifications, they are likely to file complaints or leave negative reviews, which can trigger Amazon’s investigation.

A “wrong item received” violation occurs when a customer receives a product that does not match the listing, order details, or what they expected based on the description and images. This can happen due to mislabeling, incorrect packaging, or inventory errors. For example, if a customer orders a blue phone case and receives a red one instead, that would be considered receiving the wrong item.

Amazon takes such complaints seriously because they affect the customer experience and erode trust in the marketplace. When customers receive the wrong item, they are likely to file complaints, request refunds, or leave negative reviews. If Amazon detects multiple instances of such violations, it may result in listing removal, listing suspension, or even deactivation.