An IP claim means a brand told Walmart your listing infringes its trademark, copyright or patent. Walmart may remove the listing, and repeated claims can lead to suspension. Read the claim, stop selling the item, contact the rights owner if the claim is wrong or resolvable, and keep records of everything.
What is a Walmart IP claim?
Brands and rights owners can report listings they believe infringe their intellectual property. The claim can be about a trademark (the brand name or logo), a copyright (images or text), a patent (the product design or function), or counterfeit goods. Walmart typically acts on the claim by removing the listing and notifying you.
Why does it matter?
One claim usually affects only the listing. But a pattern of claims tells Walmart your account is risky, which can lead to suspension or termination. That's why it's worth handling each claim carefully, even if you think it's unfair.
How should you respond?
- Read the claim closely. Note the type of IP, the claimant, and their contact details.
- Stop selling the item while you work out whether the claim is valid.
- Check your supply chain. Do you have invoices from the brand or an authorized distributor? Did you use the brand's own photos or text?
- If the claim is valid, remove the listing and fix the cause, for example by replacing copyrighted images or stopping sales of that brand.
- If the claim is wrong, contact the rights owner politely with your evidence and ask them to retract it. A retraction from the claimant is often the cleanest way to resolve it.
- Keep records of every message and document in case Walmart asks or you need to appeal.
When should you ask for a retraction?
Ask when you have solid evidence: genuine products bought from the brand or an authorized distributor, original images and text, or a product that doesn't actually use the protected IP. Keep the request short and factual. Never threaten the rights owner or offer anything improper.
How do you avoid future IP claims?
- Buy branded products only from the brand or authorized distributors, with proper invoices.
- Use your own photos and descriptions instead of copying the brand's.
- Don't use other brands' names in your titles or keywords unless you're selling their genuine product.
- Check for patents and trademarks before launching a new product.
Got an IP claim? Send us the notice and we'll help you work out whether to remove, fix, or request a retraction.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. For complex IP disputes, consider speaking with an intellectual property attorney.