Amazon announced the launch of its Intellectual Property Accelerator (IP Accelerator) programme in India on Sunday, giving sellers and brand owners access to services from IP experts and law firms.
According to a statement, these sellers, including small and medium-sized sellers, can choose to work with the Intellectual Property law firms to help secure trademarks, protect their brands, and combat infringement on Amazon. and Amazon websites worldwide.
According to Mary Beth Westmoreland, Amazon’s Vice-President of Technology and Brand Protection, the IP Accelerator programme is already available in the United States, Europe, and Canada.
“Amazon is excited to offer the benefits of this programme to their Indian businesses… there Intellectual Property Accelerator Program enables businesses to protect their intellectual property, which helps to ensure an authentic shopping experience for everyone”.
The IP Accelerator programme debuted in the United States in 2019 and has since expanded to Europe, Japan, Canada, Mexico, and now in India.
“Establishing intellectual property rights is critical for businesses of all sizes to differentiate their products, earn customer trust, and grow their business.”
“However, the present process can be complex and time-consuming, resulting in many businesses dropping off along the way,” Amazon India Director (MSME and Selling Partner Experience) Pranav Bhasin explained.
He also stated that the launch of the IP Accelerator programme in India would assist lakhs of sellers, particularly small and medium-sized sellers with emerging brands, in establishing IP protection.
“Today, over 8.5 lakh sellers in India are registered on Amazon, and we remain committed to bringing new tools, technology, and innovation to help them grow,” Bhasin said.
According to the statement, the process of obtaining a trademark registration with the Intellectual Property India, Trademarks Registry (IN TMR) can take up to 18-24 months.
Going through the process on their own may be time-consuming and complex for brand owners, particularly small and medium-sized businesses.
ACCORDING TO THE COMPANY, the IP Accelerator Programme assists businesses in navigating this process by connecting them with trusted IP law firms that are subject matter experts in this field and have experience drafting trademark and other IP registration applications.
Businesses can work with these companies to overcome common roadblocks that would otherwise delay the issuance of a registration.
Businesses can also use Amazon.in’s brand protection services to effectively protect and manage their brand and IP on the marketplace before their trademark is officially registered.
Amazon empowers brands through programmes like Brand Registry, Transparency, and Project Zero, which use machine learning and automated systems to weed out potential counterfeits from the mark.
Sellers on Amazon.in Service Provider Network (SPN) can access IP Accelerator, and there is no additional cost for accessing IP Accelerator firm listings on SPN.
According to the statement, the sellers can choose to engage with the law firms directly and independently for services of their choice at mutually agreed terms.
Disclaimer: The present article intends to provide general guidance on the subject, and you can also consult us in your specific case.