Payment & Payout 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:

2. Product Descriptions & Content Guidelines

2.1 Product Titles

Must be clear, specific, and accurately describe the product.
Avoid using excessive keywords, misleading terms, or ALL CAPS.
No promotional language (e.g., “Best Price! Buy Now!”).

Example of a Good Title:
“Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra – 256GB, Dual SIM (Official Warranty)”

Example of a Bad Title:
“BEST Samsung Phone – Cheapest Price in Nigeria! Buy FAST!!!”

2.2 Product Descriptions

Provide a detailed and honest description of the item.
List key features, specifications, and benefits.
Clearly state if the product is used, refurbished, or pre-owned.
No misleading claims (e.g., “Cures all diseases! 100% guaranteed weight loss!”).

Not Allowed in Descriptions:
Irrelevant keywords for SEO manipulation.
External links directing buyers outside Owode.
Copyrighted content copied from other platforms without permission.

2.3 Product Images & Media

Images must be clear, high-quality, and relevant to the actual product.
At least 2–3 images are required per listing (except for digital products).
No watermarks, logos, or contact details on images.
For branded items, sellers must not use trademarked logos unless authorized.

Allowed:
Actual photos of the product taken by the seller.
Official product images from the manufacturer (with permission).

Not Allowed:
Blurry, misleading, or generic placeholder images.
Copyrighted or stolen photos from other sellers or websites.

2.4 Pricing & Discount Guidelines

Prices must be fair, competitive, and accurate.
Sellers cannot artificially inflate prices before offering discounts.
Any discount or promo must be genuine and time-limited.
Listings with false “limited-time offers” or fake urgency will be removed.

Example of a Fair Discount:
₦50,000 → ₦45,000 (10% off for 7 days).

Example of a Manipulated Discount:
₦100,000 → ₦50,000 (Fake 50% discount when the original price was always ₦50,000).

3. Product Categories & Restricted Listings

3.1 Allowed Product Categories

Electronics & Gadgets
Fashion & Accessories
Home & Kitchen
Health & Wellness
Automotive & Industrial
Books & Educational Materials
Digital Products (e.g., eBooks, courses, graphics)
Handmade & Artisanal Products (Arts & Crafts)

Beauty & Care
Sports & Fitness

Pet & Products
Baby, Kids, & Toy

3.2 Restricted Product Categories (Require Approval)

These categories require extra verification before listing:

Alcohol & Tobacco Products – Sellers must prove compliance with Nigerian regulations.
Nutritional Supplements – Must not contain banned ingredients.
Refurbished & Used Electronics – Sellers must disclose condition and warranty status.
Religious or Cultural Artifacts – Must be legal and respectfully presented.

Some product types are completely prohibited. Check the Prohibited Items Policy.

4. Listing Violations & Consequences

4.1 Common Listing Violations

Listing prohibited items (e.g., fake goods, illegal drugs).
Keyword stuffing (e.g., “Nike Adidas Puma Best Shoes Super Cheap”).
Fake discounts or deceptive pricing.
Duplicate listings of the same product.
False advertising (e.g., claiming “100% cure for diabetes”).
Plagiarized images or descriptions.
Including contact details in product listings (buyers must communicate via Owode).

4.2 Consequences for Violating Listing Policies

First Offense: Product removal and warning.
Second Offense: Temporary listing restrictions.
Third Offense: Store suspension or permanent ban.

Serious violations (e.g., selling illegal products) will result in immediate account termination.

5. Special Listing Programs & Features

5.1 Promoted Products & Advertising

Sellers can boost product visibility by opting for Owode’s Promoted Products service:

₦1,000 per product for 14 days.
Enhanced search ranking & homepage placement.
Promotions on Owode’s social media platforms.

Promoted Products do not guarantee sales; they only increase visibility.

5.2 Seller Recognition Program

Owode rewards outstanding sellers with special badges for performance:

Verified Seller – Identity & business verification completed.
Top Seller – High sales volume & positive customer feedback.
Customer Favorite – Excellent customer ratings.
Trendsetter – Sells innovative or trending products.

Badges appear on seller profiles and product pages to increase trust.

6. Final Notes & Compliance Expectations

All sellers are responsible for ensuring their listings comply with Owode’s policies.
Owode reserves the right to modify this Listing Policy at any time.
Sellers who repeatedly violate policies may face legal consequences if fraudulent activity is detected.

Need Help?

If you are unsure about your product listing, contact Owode Seller Support for assistance.