Vorys Amazon IP Complaint Letter? Here’s How Sellers Should Respond
You just received a cease and desist letter or takedown notice from Vorys law firm. Maybe Amazon pulled your listing without warning. Maybe a brand you’ve never directly communicated with is threatening legal action.
You’re probably thinking:
- “Can they actually do this?”
- “Why did Amazon remove my product?”
- “Am I going to lose my account?”
- “Do I need to respond — or just ignore it?”
If you’re here, you’re not alone. We’ve helped hundreds of sellers navigate this exact scenario. Below is straightforward legal guidance on what to do — and not do — if you’ve been hit with a Vorys Amazon IP complaint.
Who Is Vorys and Why Are They Targeting Amazon Sellers?
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP is a large law firm hired by brands to control unauthorized resellers on Amazon. These brands use Vorys to:
- Send cease and desist letters to Amazon sellers
- File intellectual property complaints (often without proof of infringement)
- Pressure Amazon to suspend sellers for alleged violations
- Scare sellers into removing listings voluntarily
If you’re a third-party seller — especially in health, beauty, supplements, apparel, or electronics — Vorys may allege that your sales violate:
- Trademark rights
- Material difference doctrines
- Authorized reseller policies
- Minimum advertised pricing (MAP) rules disguised as legal claims
Important: Vorys often uses aggressive tactics based on distribution control, not actual IP violations.
Step 1: Don’t Panic — But Don’t Ignore It Either
Amazon sellers often ask:
“Can I just ignore the letter?”
You could — but here’s what might happen:
- Amazon may deactivate your listing based on the IP complaint
- Your account health could drop, putting your selling privileges at risk
- Vorys might escalate to arbitration or federal litigation if you’re a high-volume seller
We’ve seen sellers who ignored a Vorys letter get hit with a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) in federal court — resulting in frozen funds and account lockdowns.
Step 2: Analyze the Complaint
Read the letter closely. It may include:
- Claims of unauthorized distribution
- Allegations of trademark infringement
- References to warranties, product quality, or “material differences”
- Demands to remove your listing or stop selling the product
- Threats of further legal action or arbitration
Ask yourself:
- Are you selling genuine products?
- Did you source them from a legitimate supplier?
- Is there any modification or repackaging that could raise concerns?
- Are you listing the product under the correct ASIN and brand?
If the answer to these questions is yes, you may have a solid defense.
Step 3: Do Not Respond Emotionally or Admit Liability
Avoid common seller mistakes, such as:
- Writing a defensive or angry reply
- Admitting wrongdoing without legal review
- Voluntarily removing listings without confirming the claims
- Ignoring a complaint that’s already been filed in Amazon’s system
Instead, take time to assess the situation and consider next steps with legal guidance.
Step 4: Decide on a Strategic Response
There are several response paths depending on your situation:
✅ Option 1: Respond Directly to Vorys
If the claim is weak or clearly based on distribution (not actual infringement), you can:
- Provide documentation (e.g., invoices, distributor agreements)
- State your lawful right to resell under the first-sale doctrine
- Request clarification on the nature of the complaint
- Ask whether the brand is willing to settle or retract
Sometimes this professional, evidence-backed approach stops further action.
✅ Option 2: File a Counter Notice With Amazon
If your listing was removed due to a copyright or trademark complaint, and you believe it was a false claim, you may be able to submit a counter notice under Amazon’s dispute process — but only if you’re confident in your legal position.
✅ Option 3: Prepare for Legal Escalation (TRO Risk)
If Vorys has already filed a lawsuit naming multiple Amazon sellers (common in counterfeit or gray market product cases), you’ll need legal counsel to:
- Challenge the complaint
- Avoid a default judgment
- Request a release of your frozen funds
- Petition for dismissal if wrongly named
At Amazon Sellers Lawyer, we’ve successfully helped sellers avoid escalation, negotiate retractions, and win account reinstatements after Vorys IP complaints.
Final Thoughts: Should You Hire a Lawyer?
If your Amazon account is flagged, your funds are frozen, or you’re included in a mass enforcement action, this is no longer a routine seller support issue.
You need legal counsel that understands:
- Vorys’ enforcement tactics
- Amazon’s complaint resolution process
- Federal IP litigation
- First-sale doctrine and lawful resale rights
If you’re not sure how to respond to Vorys, don’t wait until Amazon acts — reach out for a legal review and take back control of your listings.
Need Help?
You’re not alone. We’re here to support and guide you through this.