What Amazon Sellers Need to Know About IP Claims
author
Feras Al-Musa
published
May 28, 2025
The Ultimate Guide to IP Claims for Amazon Sellers in 2025
Are you having issues with Amazon IP claims ? if you are, then this blog is for you to know everything about IP claims.
If you’ve spent any time on Amazon seller forums or social media groups, you’ve probably seen the horror stories: sellers blindsided by Intellectual Property (IP) claims, listings removed overnight, accounts suspended with little warning. And while some of the panic is exaggerated, there’s no denying that IP claims are a real concern for Amazon sellers in 2025.
Since the wave of increased IP enforcement began in 2017, IP claims have continued to trip up even seasoned sellers. While some claims are legitimate, others are mistakes—or worse, tactics used by competitors or aggressive brands. Understanding how IP claims work and how to respond is crucial for protecting your business.
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know: what IP claims are, how they differ from brand restrictions, how to respond to a claim, and how to avoid them in the first place.
What Is an IP Claim on Amazon?
An IP claim is a report submitted to Amazon by a rights owner or their representative alleging that a seller is infringing on intellectual property. This can include:
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Trademark infringement: Using a brand’s name or logo in a listing without authorization.
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Copyright infringement: Using copyrighted images, product descriptions, or manuals.
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Patent infringement: Selling a product that includes a patented feature or design.
If Amazon deems the claim credible, they may remove your listing, restrict your selling privileges on the affected ASIN, or even take action against your entire account.
IP Claims vs. Brand Restrictions: Know the Difference
A common point of confusion is the difference between brand restrictions and IP claims. Here’s the key distinction:
Brand restrictions are set by Amazon. You may need approval to list certain brands or categories.
IP claims are initiated by brand owners. Even if you’re approved to sell a brand, the rights holder can still file a claim if they believe you’re infringing on their IP.
In other words, Amazon approval doesn’t protect you from brand-initiated complaints.
Where IP Claims Show Up
Legitimate IP claims appear in two places:
Email from Amazon (usually from notice@amazon.com)
Performance Notifications in your Seller Central dashboard under Account Health
Never treat a buyer message as an official IP claim. If someone contacts you through Amazon Messages claiming to be a brand representative, ignore it or report the message. Real IP complaints must go through Amazon’s internal systems.
What About “Suspected” IP Violations?
In addition to confirmed claims, Amazon sometimes flags listings under “Suspected Intellectual Property Violations.” These don’t immediately impact your account health but are worth reviewing. They often involve misclassified listings or the use of brand names in a way that might raise red flags, even if unintentional.
Do IP Claims Lead to Account Suspension?
A single IP claim usually won’t get your account suspended—but multiple unresolved claims might. Each claim negatively affects your Account Health. Too many strikes, and Amazon could suspend your ability to sell.
How to Respond to an IP Claim
1. Review the Claim Details
Go to Seller Central → Performance → Account Health → Product Policy Compliance. Review the affected ASIN and contact details for the rights owner.
2. Contact the Rights Holder
Reach out professionally. Ask for clarification on the claim and whether a retraction is possible if you can prove your case.
3. Provide Supporting Documentation
Include:
Invoices from reputable distributors
Product photos showing they match the listing
Correspondence with the rights holder
4. Submit a Plan of Action to Amazon
Even if the brand doesn’t retract, you should respond to Amazon directly. Use this template as a starting point:
