Achieving 'Bestseller' status on platforms like Etsy is a remarkable milestone for any seller. However, with this success comes the risk of having your product listings copied – photos, descriptions and all – and re-listed on other major and minor online marketplaces. If this has happened to you, we're here to explore practical steps to protect your hard-earned success.
Step 1: Confirm the Copy
First, ensure that your listing has indeed been replicated. Compare the suspected listing with your original. Look for direct copies of your product images, descriptions, and any unique elements that define your brand and product.
Step 2: Document the Infringement
Gather evidence of the infringement. This includes taking screenshots of the copied listing, noting the URL, the seller’s information, and the date you discovered the copy. This documentation is crucial for any steps you take to address the infringement.
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 listing has appeared on one online marketplace, then the chances are it may have spread to other marketplaces as well. It may be worth checking sites such as Ebay, Temu, Ali Express and Amazon as these are the biggest outlets for copied listings.
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.
Remember, the uniqueness of your product and its presentation is what made it a bestseller. Protecting this uniqueness is not just about safeguarding your current success but also about securing your brand's future in a competitive online marketplace.
