Takedowns
The takedown system helps you send legal notices to remove counterfeit listings and phishing websites.
What is a Takedown?
A takedown is a formal request to remove infringing content:
- DMCA Notice - For copyright violations (your images, text)
- Trademark Complaint - For brand name misuse
- Abuse Report - For phishing websites
Most platforms and hosts are legally required to act on valid notices.
Types of Takedowns
DMCA Takedowns
Use when someone copies your:
- Product images
- Product descriptions
- Website design
- Marketing content
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) requires hosts to remove content when they receive valid notices.
Trademark Complaints
Use when someone misuses your:
- Brand name
- Logo
- Registered trademarks
Platforms have their own trademark policies in addition to legal requirements.
Platform Abuse Reports
Use for:
- Phishing websites
- Scam stores
- Impersonation
Report to the hosting provider, domain registrar, or platform directly.
Creating a Takedown
Step 1: Gather Evidence
Before filing, collect:
- Screenshots of the violation
- URLs of infringing content
- Proof you own the original (your listings, registration)
- Date you first noticed the violation
Step 2: Start the Takedown
- Go to Takedowns in the sidebar
- Click New Takedown
- Select the source (from your phishing/counterfeit detections, or enter manually)
- Choose the takedown type
Step 3: Complete the Form
Provide:
- Your contact information
- Description of the infringement
- Location of original content (your store)
- URL of infringing content
Step 4: Review and Send
- Review the generated notice
- Verify all information is correct
- Submit the takedown request
Tracking Status
Each takedown has a status:
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Draft | Not yet sent |
| Sent | Notice delivered, awaiting response |
| Pending | Platform reviewing |
| Completed | Content removed |
| Rejected | Notice not accepted |
Platform-Specific Processes
Amazon
For Brand Registry members:
- Fastest removal (24-48 hours)
- Direct reporting through Brand Registry
- We provide pre-filled information
Without Brand Registry:
- Report through standard form
- Takes 3-7 days typically
- May require more documentation
eBay
- Report through VeRO (Verified Rights Owner) program
- Enroll at eBay VeRO program
- Removals typically within 24-48 hours
Alibaba/AliExpress
- Report through IP Protection Platform
- Requires registration
- Longer process (5-14 days)
Hosting Providers
For phishing/fake websites:
- Find the host (WHOIS lookup)
- Send abuse report to abuse@hostingcompany.com
- Most respond within 24-48 hours
Domain Registrars
To suspend fake domains:
- Find registrar (WHOIS lookup)
- Report abuse
- Request domain suspension
Success Rates
Based on our data:
| Platform | Typical Success | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon (Brand Registry) | 95% | 24-48 hours |
| Amazon (standard) | 80% | 3-7 days |
| eBay | 90% | 24-48 hours |
| Walmart | 85% | 3-5 days |
| AliExpress | 70% | 5-14 days |
| Hosting providers | 90% | 24-72 hours |
Best Practices
Be Accurate
- Only report actual violations
- False claims can backfire legally
- Double-check URLs before submitting
Be Professional
- Use clear, factual language
- Provide solid evidence
- Follow the platform's process
Be Persistent
- Follow up if no response in 7 days
- Escalate to legal if needed
- Report the same seller again if they re-list
Document Everything
- Keep copies of all notices
- Record response dates
- Track what works for future reference
When Takedowns Fail
If a platform rejects your takedown:
- Review the rejection reason
- Provide more evidence if requested
- Try a different approach (DMCA vs trademark)
- Consult legal counsel for serious infringers
- Report to additional authorities (domain registrar, hosting provider)
Enabling Takedowns
The takedown feature is included in Enterprise plans.
Lower plans can:
- View detection results
- Export evidence
- Follow manual takedown guides
FAQ
Q: Do I need a registered trademark? A: For trademark complaints, yes. For DMCA (copyright), no registration is needed.
Q: What if the infringer is overseas? A: DMCA applies to US-hosted content. For overseas, use the platform's internal reporting.
Q: How many takedowns can I file? A: No limit. However, platforms may scrutinize frequent filers, so accuracy matters.
Q: What if they re-list after takedown? A: Report again. Repeat offenders face account suspension on most platforms.
Q: Can I get damages/compensation? A: Through Store Shield, no. For damages, you'd need to pursue legal action separately.
Q: Do you guarantee removal? A: We guarantee proper filing. Removal decisions are made by platforms, but success rates are high.