In the vast ocean of online marketplaces, it's not uncommon for successful products to be replicated and sold by others. While it's a testament to your product's appeal, it also poses significant challenges to your brand and intellectual property (IP). Don't panic, we'll guide you through the steps to take if you find your product being copied and sold through online marketplaces.
Step 1: Verify the Infringement
Before taking any action, it’s crucial to confirm that your product’s IP is indeed being infringed upon. Compare the suspected copy with your original product. Check for similarities in design, function, and branding. If your product is protected by patents, trademarks, or copyrights, ensure the infringement violates these protections.
Step 2: Gather Evidence
Document the infringement. Record the URL and take screenshots of the product listing, including images, descriptions, and any other relevant details. Note the seller’s information and the online marketplace where the product is being sold. This evidence is critical for the removal of the listings.
Step 3: Review the Marketplace's Policies
Most online marketplaces have policies and procedures for handling IP infringement. Familiarise yourself with these guidelines. Platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy offer specific avenues for reporting and dealing with counterfeit or copied products. Here at IP Moat we have a handy resource section which includes 'How to Guides' for listing removal from all the major marketplaces.
https://ipmoat.ai/blogs/how-to-guides
Step 4: File a Complaint with the Marketplace
Utilise the marketplace’s official process for reporting IP infringement. Submit your evidence and clearly state how your IP rights are being violated. Be thorough but concise. The marketplace will review your complaint and take appropriate action, which can include removing the listing. Use our handy online marketplace listing removal guides for step by step guidance.
https://ipmoat.ai/blogs/how-to-guides
Step 5: Consider asking for help
Unfortunately if your product has appeared on one online marketplace, then the chances are it may have spread to other marketplaces aswell. It may be worth checking sites such as Ebay, Temu, Ali Express and Amazon as these are the biggest outlets for counterfeit goods.
If the infringement is severe and you find yourself in a position where you don't feel you can deal with all the found infringements on your own. Or you have struggled to have listings removed, even after following the removal procedure, you may need to consider asking for help.
Here at IP Moat we give your the power to defend your product. We give you a simple to use dashboard that searches online marketplaces in realtime, finding any copied products. The best thing is you can sign up and find potentially infringing listings for FREE. The dashboard then gives you the option to send a removal request to the marketplace for each listing, with just a click of a button. No more lengthly forms or emails. When each listing has been removed, it is updated in your dashboard - giving you back ultimate control of your IP. No slow legal teams needed. Just you and your IP Moat dashboard.
To find out more and sign up for FREE visit www.IPMoat.ai or email us at hello@IPMoat.ai.
