Amazon Error: 18516 Error 18516: Trademark on Product

The "Error 18516: Trademark on Product" indicates that Amazon has flagged your product listing due to the inclusion of trademarks or brand names that you may not have the authorization to use. Amazon enforces strict intellectual property rights to protect brand owners and ensure that only authorized sellers can list products with specific trademarks. This error can arise from using brand names, logos, or trademarked terms in your product title, description, or images without proper authorization.

Common Causes:

1. Unauthorized Use of Trademarks: Listing a product with a brand name or logo that you are not authorized to use.
2. Misleading Descriptions: Using trademarked terms in a way that misleads customers about the product's brand or origin.
3. Supplier Miscommunication: Receiving products from suppliers that include unauthorized trademarks.
4. Counterfeit Products: Listing counterfeit products that falsely claim to be from a trademarked brand.
5. Incomplete Documentation: Failing to provide necessary authorization documents to Amazon.

To resolve the "Error 18516: Trademark on Product" on Amazon, follow these steps:

1. Review the Listing for Trademark Usage:
   • Carefully review the product listing, including the title, description, bullet points, and images. Identify any trademarks, brand names, or logos that might have triggered the error.
2. Verify Authorization:
   • Ensure that you have the necessary rights and authorization to use the trademarks included in your listing. This may involve checking agreements with suppliers or obtaining authorization letters from the trademark owner.
3. Gather Documentation:
   • Collect all necessary documentation that proves your right to use the trademarks. This may include authorization letters, distribution agreements, or licenses from the trademark owner.
   • Ensure that these documents are clear, complete, and accurately reflect your authorization.
4. Update Product Listing:
   • If you do not have authorization to use the trademarks, remove all unauthorized trademarked terms, logos, and brand names from your listing. Replace them with accurate and non-infringing descriptions.
   • Ensure that the updated listing complies with Amazon’s intellectual property guidelines.
5. Submit Proof to Amazon:
   • If you have the necessary authorization, provide Amazon with the documentation. Use Amazon Seller Central to upload the required documents and respond to any requests for additional information.
   • Clearly label and organize the documentation to facilitate Amazon’s review process.
6. Address Supplier Issues:
   • If the issue arose due to products received from suppliers, communicate with your suppliers to ensure that all products provided are authorized and compliant with trademark laws.
   • Consider working directly with brand owners or authorized distributors to minimize the risk of receiving unauthorized products.
7. Implement Quality Control Measures:
   • Establish rigorous quality control procedures to verify the authenticity and authorization of products before listing them on Amazon. This includes checking for proper labeling, packaging, and documentation.
   • Train your staff on how to identify unauthorized use of trademarks and the importance of maintaining compliance with intellectual property laws.
8. Monitor Listings for Compliance:
   • Continuously monitor your product listings for compliance with Amazon’s intellectual property guidelines. Address any new issues promptly to maintain compliance.
   • Use Amazon’s Brand Registry program if you own a trademark to protect your brand and manage your listings more effectively.
9. Contact Amazon Support:
   • If you encounter any issues during the resolution process or need further assistance, contact Amazon Seller Support. Provide detailed information about the error, the steps you have taken, and any relevant documentation.
   • Engage with Amazon seller forums and communities to seek advice from other sellers who might have faced similar issues.