Policy violation. Why?

[bar_logistics]

Good day, thank you for reading this. I'm a bit confused, as I have been trying to sell refrigerator water filters that are compatible with the refrigerators maker. The listing makes it clear, it is compatible, it is not the actual filter from the manufacturer.  What patent could it be that this filter is violating? I wrote to the manufacturer asking for a copy of the patent, I received no response.

If there truly is a patent, wouldn't the manufacturer need to disclose it? And what patents could there possibly be on a refrigerator water filter?

Thanks. 

[ebooksdiva]

When a listing is pulled it is usually pulled by eBays bots. The bots may have decided you were selling replicas of the product to fit a certain model refrigerator. Selling replicas or counterfeit items are not allowed. 

Best not to list those items again they will be pulled again if that happens eBay may restrict your selling privileges or suspend you. Patents are clearly printed on the products being sold. The water filter manufacturer holds the patent on their products.

Counterfeit Item Policy 

[robbie31415]

Regardless of patent, eBay can remove a listing for any reason.

They could have partnerships with these large name brand manufactures who tell them they don't want off brand copy "compatible" filters distributed on the platform.

Some things are completely legal to sell, just not on eBay based on their policies.

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@bar_logistics wrote: ... I have been trying to sell refrigerator water filters that are compatible with the refrigerators maker. The listing makes it clear, it is compatible, it is not the actual filter from the manufacturer. .... 

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eBay is very careful about the use of copyright and trademark materials.  In general they forbid the use of a brand name in a listing for anything not made by that brand.  The policy page, linked below, explains how you can list an item that is compatible with a brand but not made by that brand:

https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/listing-policies/search-manipulation-policy?id=4243 

[tobaccocardyahoo]

The manufacturer would have to disclose the number to Ebay not to you at this stage in the game.

When they sue you, the document you are served with will include the patent number(s).

Could there be a patent that these filters infringe - yes.

Is the patent valid - maybe.

Can you afford a $250k legal fee for a lawsuit about these filters - probably not.

How would you feel about a $5k settlement to avoid a lawsuit - that might be what you face next if you get your listings reinstated.

Before you or someone else says it "That isn't fair". I agree but that is reality.

[stephenmorgan]

I remember a few years ago there were a lot of information about counterfiet water filters for Frigidaire.

Maybe research the filters you were selling to see if there have been counterfiet ones made.

[inhawaii]

Several months ago I bought a "genuine" GE filter on ebay.

It didn't work.

It wasn't genuine.

It would give me an error message.

It did not have the electronic chip that the real filters have.

I bought one at Lowes (for twice the price) and it worked fine.

I's nice to see ebay cracking down.

[zobal99]

A couple of years ago I had a problem with a Samsung water filter. The box said "Original Samsung Filter". When I got it I saw that it was an Aqua-Pure Filter boxed as an original Samsung filter.  It even had installation instruction paperwork which was copied from the original. Seller gave me a hard time and insisted that it was the same. Maybe so, but not what I ordered. Finally they took it back. Problem is there is a lot of this going on. Your packaging says Frigidaire all over it and could be misleading to some people even though you advertise compatible.

[slippinjimmy]

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@stephenmorgan wrote:

I remember a few years ago there were a lot of information about counterfiet water filters for Frigidaire.

Maybe research the filters you were selling to see if there have been counterfiet ones made.

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I also remember that, must have been at least 5 years ago. I don't remember the details but seem to recall some health and safety issues.

If you search this board for refrigerator filter you will find a bunch of threads about fakes, Vero takedowns, eBay takedowns, defective filters, etc.