The Amazon marketplace is booming in 2025, offering unprecedented growth opportunities for sellers. But with growth comes competition—and unfortunately, malicious threats. Two of the most frustrating issues sellers face today are listing hijackers and product copycats.
If you’re an Amazon seller, your brand’s reputation, sales, and even your Buy Box placement can be compromised overnight by hijackers and counterfeiters. But the good news? You can fight back—with the right strategies and tools.
Here’s how to protect your Amazon brand from hijackers and copycats in 2025.
What Is an Amazon Hijacker or Copycat?
- Hijackers are unauthorized sellers who list their (often fake or used) version of your product on your listing—usually at a lower price. They steal the Buy Box and hurt your brand reputation.
- Copycats create their own listings for a product that mimics yours. They use similar titles, images, and descriptions to confuse buyers and steal your traffic.
1. Enroll in Amazon Brand Registry (Step One—Non-Negotiable)
If you haven’t enrolled in Brand Registry yet, do it now. This is your first line of defense.
Benefits:
- Full control over product listings
- Access to Amazon’s tools like A+ Content and Brand Analytics
- The ability to report and remove counterfeit listings more easily
Requirements:
- A registered trademark in the country where you sell
- Proof of brand ownership
💡 Tip: In 2025, Amazon continues to enhance Brand Registry features—make sure you’re leveraging Project Zero and Transparency (discussed below).
2. Use Amazon Transparency to Prevent Counterfeits
Amazon Transparency is a product serialization service that helps stop fake products from reaching customers.
How it works:
- Each unit gets a unique Transparency code
- Amazon scans this code before shipping to verify authenticity
- Counterfeit products without codes won’t be shipped
This is one of the most effective long-term defenses against copycats and fake sellers.
3. Monitor Your Listings Regularly
You can’t protect what you don’t see. Regularly audit your listings to catch hijackers early.
Tools you can use:
- Amazon’s “Manage Your Experiments” and Brand Dashboard
- Third-party tools like Helium 10, Jungle Scout, or AMZAlert
- Manual checkups—look for unexpected price changes or new sellers
💡 Set alerts for Buy Box changes or ASIN hijacking through automation tools.
4. Create Strong, Trademarked Branding
Many hijackers and copycats succeed because listings lack brand-specific elements.
Steps to brand-proof your listing:
- Trademark your brand name and logo
- Include your brand name on the product packaging and product itself
- Use A+ Content with unique branded visuals and messaging
- Display real lifestyle images and video to differentiate from generic listings
The more distinct and recognizable your product, the harder it is to copy or hijack effectively.
5. Take Quick Legal and Platform Action
If you spot a hijacker:
- Try messaging the seller to remove themselves
- If no response, report to Amazon via the Brand Registry Report Tool
- Provide evidence: trademark, purchase invoice, product photos, etc.
In severe cases:
- File a Cease & Desist letter
- Work with an attorney for trademark or IP violations
Amazon has improved its response times in 2025, but the more organized your complaint, the faster the resolution.
6. Use Unique Packaging and Inserts
Don’t just protect your listing—protect the physical product too.
Add:
- Brand logo on the packaging
- Thank-you cards or inserts that remind customers of your official store
- A scannable QR code directing users to register their purchase or leave feedback
This builds customer trust and provides a trail of evidence if counterfeit claims arise.
7. Consider Amazon IP Accelerator (for New Brands)
If you’re launching a new brand in 2025, Amazon’s IP Accelerator can help you:
- Get fast-track trademark registration
- Access Brand Registry benefits early
- Work with vetted intellectual property attorneys
This shortcut gives newer brands much-needed protection sooner.
Final Thoughts
Hijackers and copycats aren’t going away in 2025—but you don’t have to be vulnerable. With proactive strategies like Brand Registry, Transparency, trademark protection, and vigilant monitoring, you can defend your Amazon business, protect your customers, and preserve your hard-earned success.
Need help managing hijacker removal or protecting your listings? Our team specializes in Amazon brand protection and account management. Contact us today for a free audit of your Amazon store.
