Friday 15 September 2017

Gaming Amazon Using Fake IP Claims for Competitive Advantage

CNBC has published an interesting article about fake IP claims on Amazon titled, "Amazon was Tricked by Fake Law Firm Into Removing a Hot Product, Costing This Seller $200,000."  The article alleges that competitors of sellers on Amazon are filing fake intellectual property complaints against sellers resulting in Amazon's immediate take-down of their product or service.  These claims appear to be timed before big sales days and at very profitable products.  Interestingly, part of the problem is that Amazon is overwhelmed with complaints and apparently doesn't have the time to review the claims carefully.  My guess is that the software Amazon uses to police and handle claims is not able to discern fake and legitimate complaints well.  Perhaps better software is the answer.  I am hopeful that some Internet companies that rely on software will hire more people instead to handle these complaints.  Because Amazon controls the platform and sellers make so much money using it, I doubt many sellers will push Amazon too hard.  Although continued complaints and lost sales may open the door for a competitor to Amazon, which may be a good thing.  

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