Amazon Rolls Out IP Accelerator In Europe To Prevent Counterfeits

To help small companies safeguard their brands and tackle counterfeits, Amazon has rolled out Intellectual Property Accelerator (IP Accelerator) in Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.

IP Accelerator is available to every brand selling in the eCommerce retailer’s stores. It links entrepreneurs directly with a selected collection of law firms that have IP rights knowledge, according to a Wednesday (Nov. 25) announcement.

Involved law firms will charge fees to SMB at “competitive” rates negotiated ahead of time, which provides merchants with clear information about the cost of getting a trademark, according to the announcement. Furthermore, SMBs can ask for general IP advice from the law firms as their brands and companies expand.

Amazon selected the IP law firms “based on their experience, expertise and customer service,” according to the announcement.

“As part of our broader commitment to supporting small businesses, we have set up IP Accelerator to make the IP registration process as easy and as affordable as possible for entrepreneurs in the early days of their businesses,” said Francois Saugier, VP for EU seller services for Amazon.

Companies that participate in the program will also receive access to the eCommerce retailer’s broader brand protection offerings prior to the official issuance of their trademark registrations.

IP Accelerator was rolled out in the United States last year. Since the rollout, the eCommerce retailer has linked SMBs with participating IP law firms, leading to 6,000 trademark applications being sent to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

The news comes as the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) and Amazon have launched a joint operation to stop counterfeit merchandise from entering the United States. IPR Center Director Steve Francis said the IPR Center has an essential function in securing the worldwide supply chain.

“However, our efforts are increased with partners like Amazon to identify, interdict and investigate individuals, companies and criminal organizations engaging in the illegal importation of counterfeit products,” Francis said.