You’ve done the hard work, found a supplier, uploaded your product photos, and started selling. But one wrong logo, image, or design could cause your listing to be taken down overnight.

Intellectual Property (IP) infringement isn’t always intentional, yet it’s one of the main reasons sellers face takedowns on Shopee. Here’s a simple breakdown of the four most common types of IP infringement and how you can avoid them.

1. Trademark Infringement

A trademark is how a brand is recognised, its name, logo, or slogan. Using any of these without the owner’s permission is called trademark infringement.

This can happen when sellers list products that display another brand’s logo, even if it’s slightly altered. For example, printing the iconic monogram of a luxury brand on your bags, or using a misspelled version of a well-known name like “Addidas” or “Chanelle,” still counts as infringement.

Even phrases or packaging that are strongly associated with certain brands can fall under this category. If it reminds customers of a specific registered brand, it’s likely a trademark issue.

Do:

• Develop your own original store identity, this includes your brand name, logo, and slogan.

• Keep your designs simple but unique so buyers can easily remember and recognise your shop.

• If you’re reselling branded goods, make sure you are authorised by the brand to do so.

Don’t:

• Use other brands’ names, logos, or taglines anywhere in your product listing or store banner.

• Sell counterfeit or look-alike items that imitate the design or packaging of famous brands.

• Add brand names in your product title or description just to attract more clicks (e.g., “Style like Nike” or “Gucci-inspired”).

2. Copyright Infringement

Copyright protects creative works like music, artwork, written content, photographs, videos, and graphics that were created by someone else. For online sellers, this especially includes product photos and marketing visuals found on a brand’s official website or social media.

For example, using a brand’s photo to promote your own similar-looking item, or copying their written product description, is a form of copyright infringement, even if your product isn’t counterfeit.

Do:

• Use original photos and content whenever possible. Take your own pictures, write your own descriptions, and create your own promotional materials.

• If you want to use someone else’s creative work (like a stock photo, image, or song), always get written permission or buy a license from the copyright owner.

Don’t:

• Copy or reuse images, videos, audio, or text from brands, influencers, or other sellers without permission.

• Scan or digitise printed works, songs, or artwork to reuse for your store’s promotion or resale.

• Assume that images found online are “free to use.” If you didn’t create it or license it, you don’t own it.

3. Design Infringement

A design protects the unique appearance of a product, not how it works, but how it looks. This includes a product’s shape, surface patterns, textures, or even colour combinations that make it visually distinctive.

For example, the curve of a smartphone, the cut of a shoe, or the stitching pattern on a designer bag can all be registered as industrial designs. Even if you make slight modifications, if your product still looks too similar to a registered design, it can still be considered design infringement.

This is why “inspired by” or “replica” products often lead to takedowns as the visual resemblance alone can violate design rights.

Do:

• Source from trusted manufacturers who can confirm their products are original or properly licensed.

• Check whether a product’s design is already registered, especially if it strongly resembles a famous brand item.

• Keep a record of your supplier’s design documentation or originality assurance whenever possible.

Don’t:

• Sell items that closely imitate the shape, texture, or colour pattern of branded goods.

• Copy signature design elements like the quilted pattern on a luxury bag or the silhouette of a designer shoe.

• Assume changing small details (like adding a logo or adjusting proportions) makes it “safe,” it often doesn’t.

4. Patent Infringement

A patent protects inventions, meaning the technical solution or function behind a product. Patents can cover entire items or just specific parts and mechanisms.

For example, a patented phone camera system, a special type of magnetic clasp, or an innovative motor used in appliances can all be legally protected.

Even if your product looks different on the outside, if it uses the same patented technology or system, it still counts as patent infringement.

Do:

• Research whether the product or technology you’re selling is patented, especially if it includes unique functions or mechanisms.

• Ask your suppliers if their products involve any patented components and whether they’re authorised to sell them.

• Obtain a license or written permission from the patent holder before selling anything based on their invention.

Don’t:

• Sell or manufacture products that copy a patented invention’s core function or working mechanism.

• Reproduce or use patented parts, materials, or internal systems without consent.

• Assume that just because a product is sold by multiple suppliers, it’s automatically patent-free, many counterfeits circulate this way.

Protect Your Brand Today

Avoiding IP infringement isn’t just about following rules, it’s about building a trustworthy brand that customers can remember and return to. When your store stands on originality, every photo, product, and design reflects your brand’s authenticity.

With BigSeller, managing and protecting your listings becomes easier than ever. You can manage listings across Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, and more while keeping your content original and compliant. With features like bulk product migration, automation tools, real-time stock sync, and overselling prevention, BigSeller lets you focus on growing your business confidently and efficiently.

Try BigSeller for free today and experience how it helps you streamline your daily operations, protect your brand reputation, and boost multi-channel sales, all in one smart platform.