How to Report a Competitor on Amazon for Violating Your Trademark, Copyright, or Patent
How to Report a Competitor on Amazon for Violating Your Trademark, Copyright, or Patent
Let’s clear the air.
In most cases, reporting your competitor to Amazon is a dangerous move – risky, misunderstood, and often counterproductive.
But not always.
Because sometimes… they’re not just breaking Amazon’s rules – they’re violating your rights.
Your brand. Your trademark. Your content. Your product.
When that happens, the rules change.
And so should your response.
The Key Difference Most Sellers Miss
There’s a world of difference between reporting a seller for violating Amazon’s policies… and reporting a seller for violating your intellectual property.
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If they’re claiming to offer a fake warranty? That’s Amazon’s concern.
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If they’re using your trademark in their title? That’s yours.
Amazon is very protective of intellectual property – because it’s legally obligated to be. But you need to use the right tools, submit the right documentation, and speak Amazon’s language.
What Can You Report for?
If a competitor is violating your IP rights, these are the most common grounds for filing a formal complaint:
1. Trademark Infringement
They’re using your registered brand name on their listing, in ads, or on packaging – creating confusion or misrepresentation.
2. Copyright Violation
They’ve copied your product images, A+ Content, text descriptions, or any other original content you’ve created.
3. Patent Infringement
They’re selling a product that includes features protected by your utility or design patent (in the marketplace you’re registered in).
4. Brand Impersonation / Unauthorized Use
They’re listing products under your brand without being authorized – and the listings appear under your brand name or logo.
How to Report a Competitor (Properly)
Amazon doesn’t want you sending angry messages or flooding Seller Support. It has a centralized, legal-compliant system for this:
Use this form Amazon Report Infringement Page or file a complaint directly through Brand Registry.
There, you’ll be able to choose the type of violation, provide documentation (like trademark numbers or copyright registration), link to the infringing listings, and add a brief explanation.
A few key tips:
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Keep your tone neutral, factual, and professional.
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Only report what you can legally back up.
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Include registration numbers or official IP documentation when possible.
What Happens After You File?
If Amazon finds the claim valid, the listing may be:
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Removed or suppressed
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Transferred to you (if it was misusing your brand)
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Or flagged for further internal review
In some cases, repeated violations can even result in account suspensions for the infringing seller.
Just don’t expect a reply. Amazon doesn’t debate or explain its decisions here. But if you filed properly, you’ll usually see action within 1–3 business days.
What If You’re Not Sure It’s Infringement?
This is where things get tricky – especially with gray areas, like:
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Sellers listing your brand’s products without being “authorized,” but buying them legally
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Slight changes in product packaging that don’t quite match yours
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Use of similar phrasing or non-registered brand names
If you’re unsure, don’t guess. Filing a false IP complaint can backfire – and Amazon does take action against sellers who misuse the infringement process.
In borderline cases, talk to a compliance strategist or IP attorney. (Yes, we handle these situations at ASA Compliance Group – but more on that later.)
Don't Just Protect - Prepare
The smartest sellers don’t wait until a problem explodes.
If you haven’t already:
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Register your trademark in every region you sell in
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Enroll in Amazon Brand Registry
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Audit your listings regularly for unauthorized usage
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Monitor your competitors without triggering anti-competitive behavior flags
And when something’s off? Respond swiftly – but smartly.
Final Thought
If your competitor’s just playing dirty with their pricing or keywords, reporting them will likely hurt you more than them.
But if they’re stealing your identity, your images, your brand, your rights – you’re not being petty. You’re protecting your business. Just make sure you do it by the book.
Because in Amazon’s world, being right isn’t enough.
Being strategic is what actually gets results.
