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Encouraging Infringement Policy


Sellers may not use the eBay site to enable, encourage or instruct others to infringe copyrights, trademarks or other rights.

Violations of this policy may result in a range of actions, including:

  • Listing cancellation

  • Limits on account privileges

  • Account suspension

  • Forfeit of eBay fees on cancelled listings

  • Loss of PowerSeller status

Some Examples  

The following are examples of listings that are not permitted on eBay:

  • A link to a website that sells bootleg recordings

  • An eBook describing how to defeat copy- protection and copy DVDs

  • A listing offering an authentic Rolex box and suggesting buyers use it to sell a counterfeit watch

  • An empty branded box, bag, tin or other container that could be potentially used to hold and sell a similar or identical product. (Exception: empty vintage boxes, bags, tins or containers that can generally be considered collectable items and are sold for such purposes)

  • A certificate or warranty, blank or still valid, without the accompanying product

  • A website or URL where the bidders can download copyright protected music

  • A listing offering original software and encouraging the high bidder to make a backup copy and resell the original

  • Instructions on how to install a mod-chip in a video game console

Additional Information  

For more information about intellectual property rights, see any of the following sources:

Why does eBay have this policy?  

eBay urges sellers and buyers to comply with all governmental laws and regulations. Since copyright and trademark infringement is prohibited by law, sellers may not use eBay to encourage other members to infringe on these rights. This policy helps protect buyers from purchasing counterfeit or fraudulent items, helps protect intellectual property rights owners against infringement, and helps create a safer marketplace.



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