The Step-By-Step Method Brands Used to Prove Counterfeit Products and Remove Hijackers Permanently

Imagine this — you worked hard to build your brand. You developed a great product. You even have good reviews. But suddenly, someone pops up selling a cheap knockoff of your item. Even worse, they show up on your own listing! That’s when you realize… you’ve been hijacked.

TLDR: Hijackers are rogue sellers who jump onto your product listings and sell fakes or unauthorized versions. Brands can fight back using a step-by-step method that proves counterfeits and removes hijackers permanently. This involves everything from documenting the issue to making legal claims. It’s not magic, just method!

Step 1: Detect the Hijackers

This is where it all begins. You have to notice something’s wrong in the first place. Here are clues:

• Sudden drop in sales
• Weird seller names on your product page
• Negative reviews complaining about poor quality

Once you suspect a hijacker, go to your product listing. Click on the small line that says “Other Sellers on Amazon” or whatever platform you’re on. If you see unfamiliar sellers, and you haven’t authorized them… 💣 You’ve got hijackers!

Step 2: Buy the Product They Are Selling

This step is simple but very important. You must buy the item they’re selling from your own product listing. Why?

Because you need proof. You’re going to compare their version to your genuine product and document everything.

What to do when the item arrives:

• Take photos of the boxing, labels, and packaging
• Compare materials, logos, and colors
• Look for quality issues

If it looks different, doesn’t match your brand, or feels cheaper — you have a counterfeit.

Step 3: Collect ALL the Evidence

This step is like building your case for court — except your “judge” is Amazon or whichever platform you sell on.

Gather:

• Your registered trademark certificate (if you have one)
• Photos of the fake item vs your original product
• Notes on how the item is different in quality or labeling
• Order number and date of the purchase

This info shows the platform you’re serious and organized. Platforms don’t have time to guess who’s right. They want proof.

Step 4: Send a Cease and Desist Letter

You can be nice… or firm. It’s your call. But sending a cease and desist letter is a must. This tells the hijacker to stop selling your product or legal action will follow.

What to include:

• Your brand’s name and your authorized seller status
• Evidence of their unauthorized sales
• A request for them to remove their listing within 48 hours
• A warning that you will report them if they don’t comply

Sometimes, they remove themselves to avoid problems. Other times, they ignore you. That’s why there’s a next step.

Step 5: File an Official Report

Each platform has a process for reporting counterfeit goods and unauthorized sellers. For example, on Amazon, you use the Report Infringement Form or the Brand Registry portal.

You’ll submit all your:

• Proof of trademark
• Evidence of difference between products
• Screenshots and order data

This creates an official case against the hijacker. It makes your report way stronger than just clicking “report” and hoping for the best.

Step 6: Get Brand Registered (If You’re Not Yet)

If you’re serious about defending your product in the long-term, this is essential. Amazon and other marketplaces give more power to brands that are registered officially.

Benefits of Brand Registry:

• Faster takedown of fake sellers
• More control over listings and product detail pages
• Access to tools like transparency codes and automated IP protection

To do this, register your business with the trademark office in your country, then apply for Brand Registry. Once you’re in, hijackers start sweating.

Step 7: Use Transparency or Serialization (Bonus Tip)

This isn’t for everyone, but it’s a cool extra step you can take.

Some brands set up a serialization system. This assigns each of your units a unique code — like a fingerprint. When customers scan it through the platform or an app, they can verify it’s real. If hijackers sell fake copies, the code won’t work. That lets platforms remove the seller automatically.

Amazon calls this service “Transparency.” Other marketplaces offer similar things.

Step 8: Monitor, Monitor, Monitor

Even once the hijackers are gone, you can’t sleep on it. You need to stay alert. Luckily, automation helps with this now too.

Try tools like:

• Helium 10’s “Alerts” feature
• Jungle Scout’s Listing Tracker
• AMZAlert

These tools notify you the minute someone new shows up on your listings. Think of it like a doorbell camera for your storefront!

Final Thoughts

Fighting hijackers feels scary at first. But with this step-by-step method, you can protect your brand easily. It’s all about documentation, reporting, and staying proactive. Use warnings, tech tools, and platforms’ legal systems.

With a little effort upfront, you can kick copycats off — and keep them off — permanently.

Quick Recap:

1. Find the hijacker
2. Buy and inspect their item
3. Collect hard proof
4. Send a cease and desist letter
5. File a platform report
6. Register your brand
7. Optional: Use serialization like Transparency
8. Keep monitoring your listings

You’ve got the formula. Now go protect that brand like a boss!