Account Suspended - Multiple IP Violations

Hi All, I’ve been selling on the platform for 6 months now. We manufacture generic products that are sold on Amazon already albeit given slightly different names in the title (unbranded on the product). We have received 5 IP violations and had our account suspended today. We have been asked to prepare a POA and after reading around, this must be bulletproof when we send it. How do you address the issue that you are selling the same product without getting an EXACT invoice of that product. Let’s say we sold An unbranded tire, BRAND (exact same tire with no branded markings) are doing the same and submit an IP complaint against us. How would we appeal this as the manufacturer of this product? If we are unable to appeal this, could we admit fault and declare we will create our own listings for these items in future? We are willing to do this if necessary we just thought we were allowed to sell the exact same product if it were unbranded. Advice greatly appreciated, many thanks.


The email for Seller Performance: Hello, Your Amazon selling account has been deactivated. Your listings have been removed. Funds will not be transferred to you but will be held in your account while we work with you to address this issue. Please ship any open orders to avoid further impact to your account. Why did this happen? We arrived at this decision because we were unable to verify information related to your seller account, or did not receive any new information regarding your listings or selling history. We’re here to help. If you need help better understanding what is causing this, please search for “Intellectual Property Violations” in Seller Central Help (Amazon). How do I reactivate my account? To reactivate your selling account, please send us the following: A plan of action that explains: – The root cause(s). – The actions you have taken to resolve the notices of infringement or violation of Amazon’s policies. – The steps you have taken to prevent infringement or violating Amazon’s policies. For security reasons, we only accept attachments in the following file formats: .jpeg, .jpg, .pjpeg, .gif, .png, .tiff. These documents must be authentic and unaltered. Thank you.

Hello,

I understand that some of you have faced challenges with intellectual property (IP) violations on Amazon and are seeking advice on preparing a strong Plan of Action (POA) to address the issue. Let’s discuss how you can approach the situation.

It seems that you have been selling generic products on Amazon with slightly different names, but you have received IP violations and your account has been suspended. You are now required to submit a bulletproof POA to reinstate your account. One of the concerns you have raised is how to address the issue of selling the same product without having an EXACT invoice of that product.

In situations where you are selling an unbranded version of a product that is already listed on Amazon, it can be challenging to prove your right to sell the item. If a branded version of the same product files an IP complaint against your unbranded listing, it can lead to a suspension. To appeal this, it is important to establish that you are the actual manufacturer of the product.

Here are some steps you can consider for your POA:

  1. Clearly state the root cause(s): Explain that the IP complaints are related to the similarity between your unbranded product and the branded version. Emphasize that you are the manufacturer of the unbranded version and have the right to sell it.
  2. Actions taken to resolve the notices: Outline the steps you have taken to address the IP complaints and prevent further violations. For example, you can mention that you have ceased selling the specific listing that received IP complaints and removed any references that could be perceived as infringing.
  3. Preventive measures: Describe the measures you have implemented to avoid future IP violations. This can include conducting thorough research on existing product listings, ensuring that your unbranded version has distinct characteristics from any branded versions, and monitoring the market regularly to identify and resolve potential IP conflicts promptly.
  4. Commitment to compliance: Express your understanding of Amazon’s policies regarding intellectual property and your commitment to adhering to them going forward. Highlight your intention to create separate listings for your unbranded products to avoid confusion and IP disputes.

When submitting your POA to Seller Performance, make sure to follow their instructions regarding file formats for attachments. Provide any supporting evidence, such as manufacturing documents or invoices, that can verify your claim as the manufacturer of the unbranded product.

It is essential to convey your willingness to work with Amazon and resolve the issue amicably. Express your understanding of the importance of protecting intellectual property rights and your commitment to maintaining a compliant and reputable presence on the platform.

Remember, each case is unique, and it is advisable to tailor your POA to your specific situation. It may also be beneficial to consult with a professional, such as an attorney or a specialized Amazon consultant, who can provide expert guidance based on your circumstances.

Best of luck with your appeal, and I hope you can successfully reinstate your Amazon selling account.

Send a well-written appeal with your plan of action attached to Amazon’s Seller Performance team, clearly outlining the steps you’ve taken to address the IP violations. Be courteous, succinct, and sure to give Amazon all the information they need. Stress the value of keeping a reputable seller account and your dedication to protecting intellectual property rights.
They will for sure investigate the issue, & help you out to restore it. however it may take a while till they fully understand the situation.
good luck