When selling on eBay, it's essential to understand the rules and programs designed to protect both sellers and buyers. One such program is VeRO, short for Verified Rights Owner Program. This initiative helps intellectual property (IP) owners protect their rights and ensures that eBay remains a safe marketplace for authentic products. But what exactly are VeRO products, and how can sellers avoid issues related to them? Let's dive in.
What Is eBay's VeRO Program?
The Verified Rights Owner (VeRO) Program allows intellectual property rights owners to report listings that infringe on their copyrights, trademarks, or other IP rights. eBay takes these reports seriously and acts quickly to remove listings that violate IP laws.
This program isn't limited to big brands—any IP owner can participate, whether it's a multinational corporation or an independent artist. eBay serves as a facilitator, helping rights holders protect their property while maintaining a fair marketplace.
What Are VeRO Products?
VeRO products refer to items that are reported under the VeRO program due to potential intellectual property violations. These could be:
- Counterfeit or fake items: Knock-offs or replicas that infringe on brand trademarks.
- Unauthorized branded goods: Genuine products sold without the brand's permission.
- Copyrighted content: Items like digital media, software, or artwork that violate copyright laws.
- Trademark infringements: Products using logos, brand names, or designs without authorization.
It's important to note that even if a product is genuine, it can still be flagged if it's being sold in a way that violates IP rights, such as through unauthorized distribution channels.
Why Does eBay Enforce VeRO?
eBay enforces VeRO policies to:
- Protect Intellectual Property: Ensuring that creators and brands retain control over how their products are represented and sold.
- Maintain Buyer Trust: Preventing counterfeit goods helps maintain the integrity of eBay's marketplace.
- Legal Compliance: eBay must adhere to international IP laws and regulations to avoid legal liabilities.
How Does the VeRO Program Work?
Here's how the process typically unfolds:
- Report Submission: An IP owner files a report with eBay, citing specific listings that infringe their rights.
- Review: eBay reviews the report and investigates the listing.
- Action: If the claim is valid, eBay removes the listing and may issue a warning or restriction on the seller's account.
- Seller Notification: The seller receives an email explaining the reason for removal, often with details on how to contact the rights owner if they believe the removal was in error.
How to Avoid VeRO Violations
If you're a seller on eBay, avoiding VeRO-related issues requires due diligence:
- Avoid Restricted Brands: Some brands have strict policies against reselling their products on platforms like eBay.
- Stay Informed: Check eBay's VeRO directory to see which brands are actively protecting their IP.
How to Appeal Against eBay VeRO Abuse Violation
None of us are perfect. Perhaps at some point, especially once you grow your business, you might accidentally list something from the VeRO list. In that case, eBay may take action against your account.
If this happens, it’s important to keep calm and collected and take the necessary steps to mend the situation. As a rule, don’t waste time by calling eBay. They have no control over these things and simply act as required to defend the intellectual property owner’s rights.
Instead, work directly with the company in question. Only they have the power to remove a copyright violation from your account. To find a company’s contact info, look for it in the copyright infringement complaint eBay sends you.
Once you contact the brand owner, you’ll likely speak to their employees or lawyers. Maintain a professional attitude and be polite. Apologize for what happened, explain that you did not do it intentionally, and promise you won’t do it again.
Sometimes companies accept your apology, and they may contact eBay directly to remove the violation from your account.
eBay VeRO Finder – Where Is The VeRO List?
The VeRO program page can be found in the Seller Center of eBay. Sellers have access to an alphabetically organized A-Z list of brand, copyright, and trademark owners. Each company provides a written statement or a detailed explanation of how they view and enforce their intellectual property rights.
However, we should not rely on the list as the only source of copyright information. Quite a few brands and companies do not participate in the eBay VeRO program. Either way, they are still entitled to their full property rights under the relevant local laws.
Other than checking VeRO, as sellers, we should avoid listing popular brands that are known for strict IP enforcement.
Droopify's Solution to VeRO Issues
While staying compliant with VeRO regulations can be challenging, Droopify offers an innovative solution to help sellers avoid these pitfalls. Thanks to our advanced VeRO product scanner, Droopify can automatically detect and flag VeRO-protected products, effectively blocking their import into your store.
Our scanner is continuously improving, with regular updates to ensure it recognizes newly added brands and products listed under the VeRO program. This proactive approach minimizes the risk of accidental violations, allowing you to focus on growing your business confidently.
If you ever encounter issues or notice a brand missing from our detection system, don't hesitate to contact us and report any missing brands. Your feedback helps us enhance our scanner, making it even more robust and reliable for the entire Droopify community.
Final Thoughts
Understanding eBay's VeRO program is crucial for anyone looking to build a sustainable business on the platform. While it may seem strict, VeRO helps maintain a trustworthy marketplace for buyers and protects legitimate businesses from unfair competition. By staying informed, sourcing products responsibly, and leveraging tools like Droopify's scanner, you can avoid VeRO issues and focus on growing your eBay store with peace of mind.