With the launch of the Amazon Brand Registry program, we are getting a lot of questions about trademarks, patents, and copyrights for Amazon sellers.
We are going to walk you through the basic Amazon trademark guidelines for private label sellers. We will show you why you need to trademark your products, how to search for a trademark, and how to register an Amazon trademark for your Private Label brand.
This information should help you apply for the Amazon Brand Registry. So, let’s dive in…
The Difference Between Trademark, Patent, and Copyright for FBA Sellers
A trademark is a legal protection applied to intellectual property associated with the brand name, slogan, or logo design of a product.
A patent, on the other hand, is a legal protection granted to intellectual property associated with an actual service, device, mechanism, or process.
A copyright is a legal protection applied to intellectual property associated with written, spoken, or broadcast media. Photographs, videos, images, books, reports, and pamphlets can all be copyrighted materials.
Why Do You Need a Trademark When Selling on Amazon?
Trademarks are an essential part of doing business in the United States and around the world. A trademark is a form of intellectual property protection on a brand for goods and services.
A trademark will allow you to enroll in the Amazon Brand Registry program. This gives sellers several added benefits, including control of your product listing and access to Amazon’s A+ Content feature.
You will also get increased support from Amazon when dealing with listing hijackers and intellectual property claims.
Registering a Trademark
Registering a Trademark for Amazon FBA through the United States Patent and Trade Office (uspto.gov) is a four-step process.
1. Search for your brand name and/or logo design mark.
2. Identify the appropriate international trademark classification code for the goods or services your Amazon brand name will apply to. (remember you will have to pay for each classification you want to register your name under separately)
3. Seek out a legal professional who can walk you through these steps and file on your behalf.
4. Fill out the trademark application form, either through the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) or through a “done for you” service, such as LegalZoom.com.
Amazon Trademark Search
To search for a trademark, go to this site: https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-application-process/search-trademark-database
Scroll down to the button that says “Search Trademarks”.
Next, search for your Amazon trademark using variations and combinations to reduce the chance for counterclaims against your application.
If you are not seeing any database entries, then this is usually a good sign. Be sure to run a cross-check using different combinations to rule out any “sound-alike” or “look-alike” brand names.
Trademark Classification
After you have done a basic search for your trademark and you have a good case for being able to register the trademark without opposition, you need to determine which International Classification your product falls under. To get a general idea, you can go to this website: http://www.oppedahl.com/trademarks/tmclasses.htm
Also, we have provided a trademark classification lookup spreadsheet that you can download and use to search for your trademark classification:
Amazon Trademark Classification Lookup Spreadsheet
Because the USPTO will ask what International class number you wish to file your application under. You will need to say something like this:
Goods and Services IC 009. US 021 023 026 036 038. G & S.
To cover the following: Cell phone cases; parts and accessories for cell phones, namely, cell phone covers, speciality carrying cases for cell phones; cases for hand-held computing devices; protective covers for hand-held computing devices; eye-wear; sunglasses; goggles for sports; ski goggles; snow goggles; computer application software for smart phones and mobile devices, namely, software for social networking, receipt and transmission of data, fitness, and fitness assessments; computer software for fitness and fitness assessments; electronic game discs, interactive game discs; sensors and electronic monitoring devices incorporating microprocessors, digital display, and accelerometers, for detecting, storing, reporting, monitoring, uploading and downloading sport, fitness training, and activity data to the internet, mobile devices, and gaming consoles, and communication with mobile devices, gaming consoles and computers, electronic devices; USB hardware, USB chargers, adapters; USB adapters, pedometers; electronic monitoring devices incorporating indicators that light up and change color based on wearer’s cumulative activity level.
Helpful Resources
USPTO Trademark FAQs https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/trademark-faqs
USPTO Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) http://tmsearch.uspto.gov
USPTO Basic Facts About Trademarks Video https://youtu.be/qHDRV2NTSEk
USPTO Trademarks, Patents, and Copyrights Video https://youtu.be/4cIBcl7dD4w
*Always be sure to consult with a trademark attorney when seeking advice about your trademark. This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice.
Amazon Trademark FAQs
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Article By Kindra Martinenko
CEO of Active Action BrandsKindra created her own successful Private Label brand and is now a 6-Figure seller on Amazon and other platforms. She is the CEO of Active Action Brands, LLC – a Digital Marketing company specializing in eCommerce marketing, Amazon listing management, and Business Coaching.
