Understanding the Brand Approval, Brand Registry, and Trademark Process for Amazon FBA
Are you planning to sell on Amazon FBA? If yes, then you must be aware of the brand approval, brand registry, and trademark process. These are essential steps that you need to follow to ensure that your brand name is approved by Amazon, and you can use it on your listing without any issues. In this article, we will discuss the step-by-step process of brand approval, brand registry, and trademark, and why it is crucial to follow the correct order of operations.
Brand Approval Process
The brand approval process is the first step that you need to follow before you can use your brand name on your listing. It is essential to get your brand name approved by Amazon to avoid using the word "generic" on your listing, which can make you more prone to having hijackers on your listing and people not trusting your product.
To get brand approval, you need to make your listing, and at the end of the listing, you will be prompted with error code 5665, which looks like this:
`5665 Request Approval for Unique Jimmy`
Click on the link provided to get the application for brand approval. You do not need to trademark or have brand registry for this step. However, it is recommended to get brand approval first, even if you plan to get brand registry or trademark later.
Brand Registry and Trademark
Brand registry is a program that unlocks a lot of features for your Amazon FBA account, such as the Vine Program, which allows you to get up to 30 reviews per ASIN underneath that brand name, plus content, which allows you to put a website on your Amazon page, brand ads, video ads, and access to the transparency program, counterfeit crimes unit, and project zero.
To enroll in brand registry, you need a trademark. You can file for a trademark yourself by going to the USPTO office and applying online. The filing fee is $250. Alternatively, you can hire a US lawyer or use a service that files a trademark for you.
It is recommended to get brand approval first before applying for brand registry to prevent any issues. Once you have a pending trademark number, you can file for brand registry under the same brand name to unlock all the features mentioned above.
Pros and Cons
Pros of following the brand approval, brand registry, and trademark process include:
- Approval of your brand name by Amazon
- Access to brand registry features
- Increased trust and credibility among customers
- Protection against hijackers and counterfeit products
Cons of not following the correct order of operations include:
- Delay in getting your brand name approved
- Issues with brand registry application
- Loss of momentum due to product takedown
Highlights
- Brand approval is the first step to use your brand name on your listing.
- Brand registry unlocks a lot of features for your Amazon FBA account.
- A trademark is required to enroll in brand registry.
- It is recommended to get brand approval first before applying for brand registry.
- Following the correct order of operations can prevent issues and delays.
FAQ
Q: Do I need a trademark to get brand approval?
A: No, you do not need a trademark for brand approval.
Q: Can I apply for brand registry without a trademark?
A: No, you need a trademark to enroll in brand registry.
Q: Can I file for a trademark myself?
A: Yes, you can file for a trademark yourself by going to the USPTO office and applying online.
Q: Is brand registry worth it?
A: Yes, brand registry is worth it if you plan to sell long-term on Amazon FBA.
Q: What are the benefits of brand registry?
A: Brand registry unlocks a lot of features for your Amazon FBA account, such as the Vine Program, plus content, brand ads, video ads, and access to the transparency program, counterfeit crimes unit, and project zero.
Resources
- USPTO office: https://www.uspto.gov/
- Brand registry enrollment: https://brandservices.amazon.com/enroll/brand
- Brand approval application: https://sellercentral.amazon.com/brand/approval
- Trademark filing service: https://www.trademarkengine.com/
