💡 Why did I receive a copyright complaint when I listed my own product?
💡 Why was my listing removed for trademark infringement even though I didn't copy anyone's brand?
If you're asking questions like these, you're not alone.
Most Amazon India sellers face IPR-related takedowns not because they intentionally broke rules, but because they don’t fully understand what counts as intellectual property infringement.
This guide will help you decode the three major types of IPR (Intellectual Property Rights) — Copyright, Trademark, and Design — and how Amazon enforces them in India.
🛡️ What Is IPR and Why It Matters on Amazon India
IPR (Intellectual Property Rights) are legal protections granted to original creators — covering:
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Creative content
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Brand identity
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Product design and appearance
On Amazon India, IPR laws are enforced both by Amazon’s policies and by Indian law. If you violate someone's IPR — even unknowingly — your listing can be taken down, your account may get flagged, and in some cases, you could face legal consequences.
⚠️ Why Most Sellers Are Unaware of IPR Infringement
Thousands of sellers across India receive notices like:
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“Your listing has been removed due to a copyright claim.”
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“Policy violation: Trademark infringement reported.”
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“Design infringement: Unauthorized use of protected product shape.”
But in many cases, the seller genuinely believes they’ve done nothing wrong.
Here's why:
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Many sellers don’t know what constitutes infringement
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Some believe that selling under their own listing automatically means they’re safe
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Others confuse “generic” products with IP-protected content or branding
🧩 The Three Types of IPR That Affect Amazon India Sellers
Let’s break down each type of IPR — what it is, how Amazon handles it, and how sellers often (accidentally) violate it.
1️⃣ Copyright Infringement on Amazon India
🔍 What Is Copyright?
Copyright protects original creative works like:
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Product photos
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Product descriptions
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Videos
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Artwork
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User manuals
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Packaging design content
Copyright is automatic — as soon as someone creates a unique photo or description, it’s legally theirs.
⚠️ Common Ways Sellers Infringe Copyright:
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Using images copied from another seller or brand
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Copying product descriptions or bullet points word-for-word
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Uploading videos taken from other listings
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Reusing A+ content from another product page
🤔 Example:
You list your product with photos you found on Google — the original seller files a copyright complaint. You’re confused: “But I’m selling my own item!”
That doesn’t matter. The content you used is still protected.
🧯How to Protect Yourself:
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Use original images and written content
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Don’t copy bullet points or listings, even for similar products
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If hiring freelancers, ensure you have full copyright ownership of their work
2️⃣ Trademark Infringement on Amazon India
🔍 What Is a Trademark?
A trademark protects brand identifiers like:
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Brand names
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Logos
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Slogans
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Taglines
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Product packaging
Registered trademarks grant the owner exclusive rights to use that mark in their industry.
⚠️ Common Seller Mistakes:
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Using brand names (e.g., “Nike-style shoes”) in titles or descriptions
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Listing products under trademarked ASINs
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Including logos or taglines on product packaging without permission
🤔 Example:
You describe your item as “like Apple AirPods” — Apple files a complaint for unauthorized use of their brand name.
🧯How to Protect Yourself:
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Never use other brand names unless you're an authorized reseller
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Avoid phrases like “inspired by [brand]” or “like [brand]”
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Register your own trademark via India’s IP Office and Amazon Brand Registry
3️⃣ Design Infringement on Amazon India
🔍 What Is a Registered Design?
A design registration protects the visual appearance of a product — including shape, pattern, or configuration — as long as it’s original and not purely functional.
⚠️ Common Seller Mistakes:
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Selling lookalikes of patented or registered shapes
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Copying unique designs that "look generic"
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Ignoring visual elements that may already be protected under design law
🤔 Example:
You launch a ceramic vase with a “donut” shape, not knowing that another seller registered the same shape. You get a design infringement complaint.
🧯How to Protect Yourself:
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Before launching new designs, check if they’re already registered in India
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Avoid replicating product shapes you find on Amazon
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If you have original designs, register them under India’s Design Act, 2000
📦 How Amazon India Handles IPR Complaints
Amazon enforces IPR through a combination of:
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Manual complaints by rights owners
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Automated tools that detect duplicate content, branding, or images
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Brand Registry, where registered brands monitor and report violations
When an IPR complaint is filed:
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Amazon removes the listing (no questions asked)
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You receive a policy violation notice
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Your account health may be affected
🧠 Why This Blog Exists: To Educate and Protect Sellers
Many sellers think:
“I didn’t copy anyone, so I can’t be infringing.”
But IPR isn’t just about copying entire products — it’s about using protected elements without permission, even unknowingly.
AmazonInfringe.com exists to help Amazon India sellers understand:
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What counts as infringement
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How to respond to complaints
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How to protect your brand and content
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How to avoid losing listings due to simple mistakes
