Counterfeiters Beware: Amazon Steps Up Efforts to Protect Brands

Amazon's Counterfeit Crimes Unit (CCU) has been pursuing legal action against sellers attempting to sell counterfeit products on the Amazon platform. CCU accuses these bad actors of obtaining improper trademarks and filing false infringement notices. CCU works directly with brands to identify and file lawsuits against those who infringe upon intellectual property rights.

On September 16, 2024, Amazon filed a lawsuit asserting Asin Enterprise Management Consulting Co., Ltd. and others obtained invalid trademarks to allow them to sell counterfeit goods and submitted false infringement notices to have competing listings removed. This lawsuit follows a similar 2023 filing by Amazon.

The pending cases before the Western District of Washington are 2:24-cv-01471 and 2:24-cv-01464.

A registered trademark can enhance your brand's reputation and credibility, making it more attractive to consumers. Beyond marketing, acquiring trademark protection for your brand is crucial when selling items on Amazon. A trademark provides legal protection for your brand name, logo, and other distinctive identifiers. This protection helps prevent counterfeiters from using your brand to sell inferior or harmful products, including on the Amazon platform.  

Additionally, having a Federally Registered mark can prevent the importation of counterfeit items via the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as well as facilitating injunctions against sales and distribution, via the Courts.

If you are developing commercial items and have questions on trademark protection and protecting your brand on Amazon, an IP attorney will be able to guide your through the process. Please do not hesitate to contact any of us on the Intellectual Property team if you have any questions or concerns about protecting your brand.