Selling on Amazon? You’ll Need a Federal Trademark First.
Over the past year, we have seen a significant increase in clients who are either selling — or planning to sell — their products on Amazon. Many of them reach out after discovering that Amazon now requires sellers to have a federally registered trademark or at least a pending application in order to take full advantage of its platform.
Amazon’s Push for Brand Authenticity
Amazon’s goal is clear: to make sure customers can trust the products they buy. The company created its Brand Registry to verify legitimate brand ownership and help protect both sellers and consumers from counterfeit goods and copycat listings.
Enrollment in the Brand Registry is now a crucial step for any serious seller. To qualify, sellers must show that they own a federal trademark filed or registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Why the Trademark Requirement Matters
Amazon will only recognize a brand as authentic if it is backed by a federal trademark. This helps Amazon control the integrity of its marketplace — but it also helps protect you.
Having a registered trademark gives you:
Nationwide rights to your brand name or logo.
Legal protection against counterfeiters and competitors who misuse your mark.
Control over your product listings on Amazon.
Enhanced tools to remove infringing listings quickly.
Credibility with customers who prefer verified brands.
Even if your trademark application is still pending, Amazon will often allow you to enroll in Brand Registry once your filing appears in the USPTO database.
What We’re Seeing at Ed White Law
Our firm has seen a surge in entrepreneurs and small business owners turning to Amazon as their primary retail platform. Whether you’re selling skincare products, clothing, supplements, or custom goods, Amazon’s marketplace opens the door to massive exposure. But that exposure also comes with risk — and that is where trademark protection becomes critical.
We’ve guided dozens of new and experienced sellers through the process of securing their trademarks and enrolling in Amazon’s Brand Registry. For many, this step has not only protected their brands but also elevated their credibility and sales.
How to Get Started
If you’re planning to sell on Amazon — or already do — it’s important to start the trademark process now. The sooner your application is filed, the sooner you can complete Brand Registry enrollment and gain control over your listings.
At Ed White Law, we handle every aspect of the process, from trademark searches and application filing to Amazon verification and brand enforcement.
If you’re thinking about selling on Amazon, let’s make sure your brand is protected from day one.