Amazon Expands IP Accelerator to Europe After US Success
As the holiday shopping season approaches—with e-commerce poised to dominate due to COVID-19—Amazon is doubling down on its fight against counterfeit goods. The company has officially launched its IP Accelerator program in Europe, building on its successful U.S. rollout that has already facilitated 6,000 trademark applications for small and medium businesses (SMBs).
What Is the IP Accelerator Program?
Amazon’s IP Accelerator connects SMBs with pre-vetted legal firms to streamline trademark registration and brand protection. Key features include:
- Free enrollment for sellers
- Pre-negotiated legal rates for cost-effective trademark filing
- Early access to Amazon’s Brand Registry, even before trademark approval
Now Live in Six European Markets
The program has expanded to:
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Spain
- Netherlands
- United Kingdom
These regions represent Amazon’s largest European markets, hosting over 150,000 SMBs that account for more than half of all products sold on the platform in Europe.
Why This Matters for SMBs
Counterfeiting remains a persistent challenge for Amazon, threatening both brands and consumer trust. The IP Accelerator provides critical support for SMBs, which often lack resources for legal protection. According to a European Intellectual Property Office report, only 9% of SMBs hold registered IP rights, compared to 36% of larger companies.
“We want to demystify IP rights for small businesses and make the process affordable,” said Francois Saugier, VP for EU Seller Services at Amazon.
How Amazon Is Tackling Counterfeits
Beyond the IP Accelerator, Amazon has deployed a multi-pronged strategy:
- Legal Action: Lawsuits against counterfeiters, including a recent case targeting social media influencers promoting fake goods.
- Technology: AI-driven tools like Transparency to track authentic products.
- Government Partnerships: Collaborations to intercept counterfeit shipments before they reach consumers.
The Bigger Picture: Empowering SMBs
The IP Accelerator isn’t just about trademarks—it’s part of Amazon’s broader effort to support SMBs in a competitive marketplace. With startups like SellerX acquiring top-performing sellers, Amazon’s program could help small businesses scale independently.
“Great ideas need protection. IP strategy is key to business success,” noted Pippa Hall, Director of Innovation at the UK Intellectual Property Office.
Looking Ahead
As counterfeit threats evolve, Amazon’s IP Accelerator offers SMBs a crucial lifeline—balancing legal accessibility with brand security in an increasingly digital economy.
