Amazon Brand Registry was established to provide additional powers to prevent your competitors selling products using a similar name on Amazon.
What is Amazon Brand Registry?
Amazon Brand Registry provides enhanced search facilities to allow you to discover potential infringers and will proactively warn against suspected infringing listings.
Applicants require a registered trade mark in the brand or product name before registration can be completed so it is worth consulting an expert such as a solicitor experienced in trade mark law before registration is sought to ensure it will provide the protection you seek.
Amazon then require verification from a third party that the applicant is who they say they are and own the trade mark they wish to register. Amazon do not list the classes of third parties they consider adequate but they must deem solicitors satisfactory since we regularly receive Amazon’s emails asking us to confirm the identity of clients. Often this email is the first we have heard of their application. We are always happy to deal with these for clients whom we know.
Our tips for obtaining Amazon Brand Registry
- Amazon Brand Registry registration is not the same as obtaining trade mark registration. You must have a valid trade mark first so plan ahead, the registration process usually takes at least 3 months in the UK and longer for a European mark.
- Focus on obtaining a word mark first since that will probably be more useful.
- Do not view the trade mark application as means to obtain Amazon Brand Registry status, it can have much wider benefits so is worth taking seriously and completing carefully.
- Speak to a solicitor before making the Amazon Brand Registry application so they know to expect it and can make sure it does not get lost in the thousands of emails they receive every day.
What if you don't have Amazon Brand Registry?
Even without Amazon Brand Registry status, with a registered trade mark you will still have legal rights to stop the vast majority of sellers using your brand so there is no need to wait to take action.
Find out more
If you would like any help or support then visit our dedicated Intellectual Property pages or contact our expert team.
