Amazon Error: 18799 Error 18799: Patent Infringement

The "Error 18799: Patent Infringement" indicates that Amazon has detected a potential patent infringement issue with your product listing. This error arises when a patent holder claims that your product unlawfully uses their patented technology, design, or method. Patent infringement can lead to serious legal consequences, including lawsuits, product removal, and penalties. Addressing this error promptly is crucial to protect your business and ensure compliance with intellectual property laws.

Common Causes:

1. Unintentional Infringement: Selling a product that inadvertently uses patented technology or design.
2. Unauthorized Use: Listing products without permission from the patent holder.
3. Supplier Issues: Sourcing products from suppliers who have not obtained the necessary patents or licenses.
4. Lack of Awareness: Not being aware of existing patents that your product may infringe upon.

To resolve the "Error 18799: Patent Infringement" on Amazon, follow these steps:

1. Review the Patent Infringement Notification:
   • Log in to Amazon Seller Central and review the notification or email you received regarding the patent infringement claim. This will provide specific details about the alleged infringement, including the patent number and the patent holder's information.
2. Identify the Infringing Product:
   • Determine which of your products is being flagged for patent infringement. Review the product listing and compare it with the patent details provided by Amazon.
3. Verify the Patent Claim:
   • Consult with a patent attorney or legal counsel to verify the validity of the patent infringement claim. They can help you understand the specifics of the patent and whether your product infringes on it.
   • Conduct a thorough patent search to identify any existing patents that might be relevant to your product.
4. Evaluate Product Design:
   • Assess whether your product design, technology, or method actually infringes on the claimed patent. Compare your product's features with those covered by the patent.
   • Determine if there are any design modifications or alternative technologies that can be implemented to avoid infringement.
5. Communicate with the Patent Holder:
   • If the patent claim is valid, consider reaching out to the patent holder to negotiate a resolution. This may involve obtaining a license to use the patented technology or design.
   • Document all communications and agreements with the patent holder to protect your interests.
6. Remove or Modify the Infringing Product:
   • If your product does infringe on the patent and no resolution can be reached, remove the product from Amazon to avoid further legal consequences.
   • Modify the product design to eliminate the infringing features and ensure compliance with patent laws. Update the product listing with the revised design.
7. Ensure Compliance with Intellectual Property Laws:
   • Regularly review your product offerings to ensure they do not infringe on existing patents. Conduct patent searches and consult with legal experts to stay informed about potential risks.
   • Educate your team on intellectual property laws and best practices to prevent future infringements.
8. Update Product Listings:
   • Once you have addressed the patent infringement issue, update your product listings in Amazon Seller Central to reflect any changes made to the product design or technology.
   • Ensure that all product details comply with Amazon’s guidelines and intellectual property laws.
9. Submit Documentation to Amazon:
   • Prepare and submit documentation to Amazon to demonstrate that the infringement issue has been resolved. This may include proof of licensing agreements, design modifications, or legal opinions from patent attorneys.
   • Use Amazon’s tools and resources to upload and manage the required documentation.
10. 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.