Intellectual property

Using brand names, makes or model names which are trademark protected to describe your items but not actually manufactured by the brand may infringe on their trademark. Here are some examples to keep in mind.

1.  An item that is a brand product, like sneakers.
   Only use the brand name if the item is genuinely made by that brand.
   Don’t use the brand name If the product your listing isn’t manufactured by that brand.
   Don’t include additional brand names as a way to compare the product or try to get better search results. 
   
   
2. An item that’s compatible with only one brand, like a phone case.
   If the product is specifically designed to be compatible with products of one brand type, the brand name can be used but you need to add compatibility terms like "compatible with," "fits," or "for" before the brand name. If the product isn’t specifically compatible with the brand, don’t use the brand name.
   
   
3. An item that’s compatible with a limited number of brands, like car parts.
   Only use one brand name in the title of the listing and use compatibility terms like, "compatible with," "fits," or "for" before any trademarks. Multiple brand names in a title aren’t allowed.
   If a product is compatible with a limited number of brands, only list the additional brands in the item description and use compatibility terms like, "compatible with," "fits," or "for" before any trademarks.
   You can also use the eBay fitment chart or create your own compatibility chart to clearly show which models your item works with
   
   
4. An item that's a universally compatible product, like USB-C cable.
   If your item is a product that works with all brands or models that’s also compatible with the item, don’t use any brand names in the listing that’s in connection with compatibility information to market the item.

Using someone else’s image or description without permission could violate copyright laws. If a listing uses text or an image that was created by someone else, be sure that you have written permission to use the content. Here are some helpful do’s and don’ts:

• Use the eBay catalogue to find photos or add a description to a listing. 
• Don’t use images or text copied from other websites or internet searches. 
• Don’t use stock photos without permission. 
• Don’t copy someone else’s text without permission. 
• Don’t use modified or edited stock photos. 
• When taking your own pictures, make sure to avoid copying someone else’s image.

Some products are intended for sale only in specific countries or markets. Even if the item is genuine, selling it outside its designated region (like offering a U.S.-only product(s) to buyers in Europe) could violate trademark or copyright laws.

To stay compliant:

• Only list items for regions where they’re authorised for sale
• Don’t offer international shipping for region-restricted products

When in doubt, check the manufacturer’s guidelines before listing.

• Some products are intended for sale in a specific market or country. The sale of these products into another country or market could violate trademark or copyright laws. These may be genuine products but can only be sold in a specific market. 
• Don’t list products intended for sale only in one country, like the United States and offer shipping to buyers in Europe.

Misrepresenting a product’s warranty can violate trademark laws and mislead buyers. Here’s what you need to know:

• Warranty info is considered important (material) information—never guess or assume.
• Always read the warranty details or contact the manufacturer before including warranty claims in your listing.

If you're offering a warranty:

• Make it clear whether the warranty is provided by you or a third party and not the manufacturer.
• If you include a manufacturer’s warranty, confirm it covers resale. If it doesn’t, state clearly that no warranty is available.

Using a third party’s logo without permission is a trademark violation and may mislead your buyers. Even creating a logo that resembles another brand can be considered trademark infringement. To stay compliant, don’t include unauthorised logos in your photos or descriptions.