Intellectual Property Policy
Owode Marketplace Intellectual Property Policy
Last Updated: March 1, 2025
Introduction
Owode Marketplace is committed to fostering a fair, innovative, and legally compliant marketplace for buyers and sellers. This Intellectual Property Policy (IP Policy) sets forth the rules governing trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual property rights within Owode.
By using Owode Marketplace, you agree to comply with this policy, which is designed to:
- Protect creators, brands, and legitimate product owners.
- Prevent the sale of counterfeit, infringing, or misrepresented items.
- Provide clear enforcement mechanisms, including the Owode Brand Fort and Takedown Policy for rights holders.
Failure to comply with this policy may result in listing removals, account suspension, and legal consequences.
Intellectual Property Rights Covered
Owode recognizes and enforces the following intellectual property (IP) rights:
A. Trademark Protection
- Trademarks include brand names, logos, and slogans that distinguish a product or service.
- Sellers are prohibited from using trademarks they do not own unless explicitly authorized.
- Unauthorized brand name usage, including fake “branded” products, is strictly banned.
Example Violations:
Selling a shoe labeled “Nike” without authorization. Using a well-known brand’s logo on an unrelated product.
B. Copyright Protection
- Copyright protects original creative works, including product images, written descriptions, and digital content.
- Sellers must not copy, reproduce, or use copyrighted material without permission.
Example Violations: Copy-pasting copyrighted product descriptions from a competitor. Using images from a brand’s website without permission.
C. Patent Protection
- Patents cover inventions and proprietary product designs.
- Sellers cannot list patented products unless they have legal authorization to manufacture or distribute them.
Example Violations: Selling an unlicensed replica of a patented product.
Prohibited Intellectual Property Violations
The following are strictly prohibited on Owode Marketplace:
Counterfeit Goods – Fake, unauthorized, or misrepresented branded products. Trademark Infringement – Unauthorized use of logos, names, or brand identities. Copyright Violation – Use of protected images, descriptions, or content. Patent Violation – Unauthorized sale of patented designs. Pirated Digital Goods – Unauthorized software, eBooks, and media files. Plagiarism & Content Theft – Copying product descriptions or store branding without permission.
Owode Brand Fort: Seller Brand Protection
Owode Brand Fort is our proactive brand protection program designed to help legitimate brands and sellers:
Register & Verify their trademarks on Owode Marketplace. Report Infringements through a priority enforcement system. Safeguard Product Listings from counterfeits and unauthorized resellers. Gain Trusted Seller Status to boost credibility and buyer confidence.
Who Can Apply?
- Registered brand owners with valid trademarks.
- Authorized distributors with legal documentation.
- Sellers with exclusive rights to a product line.
To enroll in Owode Brand Fort, visit our Brand Protection Portal or contact support.
Reporting & Takedown Process
If you believe an intellectual property violation has occurred on Owode Marketplace, follow these steps:
A. Filing an IP Violation Report
Submit a complaint through the Owode Takedown Request Form, including: Proof of IP ownership (trademark certificate, copyright registration, patent document). Clear evidence of the infringing product or seller.
B. Owode’s Response & Actions
- Investigation (48-72 hours) – Owode reviews the complaint and gathers evidence.
- Immediate Listing Removal – If the claim is valid, the infringing listing is removed.
- Seller Notification & Appeal Process – Sellers may dispute claims if they provide proof of authorization.
- Repeat Offender Consequences – Accounts engaging in repeated IP violations may be permanently banned.
Seller Responsibilities & Compliance
Sellers on Owode Marketplace MUST: Ensure they own or have the legal right to sell all listed products. Verify that product images, descriptions, and branding do not infringe on others’ rights. Respond to IP disputes in good faith and remove infringing content when required.
Failure to comply with IP laws may result in:
Listing removal. Store restrictions or suspensions. Legal action by IP owners.
Dispute Resolution & Counterclaims
If a seller believes their product was wrongfully removed due to an IP claim, they can file a Counterclaim Request, providing:
Proof of authorization (brand agreement, licensing, or reseller documentation). Evidence that the reported IP does not belong to the complainant.
Owode will review the counterclaim within 5-7 business days and reinstate the listing if the claim is invalid.
Policy Updates & Compliance
This Intellectual Property Policy is reviewed periodically to reflect legal updates and best practices.
Owode Marketplace reserves the right to update this policy and take necessary enforcement actions to protect brand integrity, prevent counterfeits, and maintain a fair trading environment.
Need Help?
If you are unsure about your IP Protection, contact Owode Seller Support for assistance.
