What is a Letter of Authorization (LOA)? Its Use in Amazon Intellectual Property Complaints

If you are selling branded products on Amazon without being the brand owner, you run the risk of facing an intellectual property complaint. In such a case, the document you will hear about most often is the Letter of Authorization (LOA). In this article, we provide a general overview of what an authorization letter is, what elements it should contain, how it differs from an invoice, and common mistakes.

What is a brand authorization letter?

A brand authorization letter is a written document showing that a brand (or copyright) owner has given a specific seller permission to sell products of that brand. In Amazon intellectual property complaints, such documents come into play to show that the seller has the right to sell the relevant products. For background, you can check out our intellectual property violations page and our intellectual property on Amazon article.

Elements usually found in an authorization letter

• Name or trade name of the brand owner and contact information (address, email, phone)
• Trade name of the authorized seller and, if necessary, store or seller information
• Scope of authorization: Which brand, product group, or products; which marketplaces and countries
• Date and validity period
• Signature and name-title of the authorized person; preferably on letterhead or in an official corporate format

Amazon may not look for the same elements in every case; the type of document and details requested in the notification are always the priority.

An authorization letter is not the same as an invoice

An invoice shows where the product was purchased; an authorization letter shows the right to sell. In authenticity complaints, the invoice usually comes to the fore, while in intellectual property complaints, the authorization letter does; in some cases, both may be requested. For invoice requirements, you can check our Amazon invoice requirements article, and for authenticity cases, our product authenticity issues page.

How to obtain an authorization letter?

1. Identify the brand owner or authorized distributor. Clarify who you have a business relationship with.
2. Request it in writing. Clearly state for which products, which marketplace, and for what duration you want the authorization.
3. Review the draft together. The scope of the authorization and the dates must be clear.
4. Obtain a signed and legible copy. Ensure that the brand owner's contact information is verifiable.

If you do not have a business relationship with the brand owner, it may not be possible to obtain an authorization letter; in this case, it may be necessary to reconsider selling the relevant products.

Common mistakes

• Vague or overly general letter: Documents that do not specify the scope of the brand, product, marketplace, and date may not be considered sufficient.
• Expired authorization: A letter whose validity period has expired does not instill confidence.
• Unverifiable contact information: If the brand owner cannot be reached, the document may lose its value.
• Fake or altered document: This is the most serious mistake and can lead to permanent account closure; never do this.
• Inconsistency: If the seller name on the letter does not match your business information in your account, you may face issues.

What happens if the complaint is withdrawn?

In intellectual property cases, one of the solutions is for the complaining brand owner to withdraw their complaint. This may not apply in every case and depends on Amazon's assessment; however, if you can establish constructive communication with the brand owner, it can increase your options. For the process and documents, you can check our Plan of Action guide and our first days guide.

Frequently asked questions

Does having an authorization letter always resolve the complaint?

No. Amazon evaluates the document's scope, validity, and verifiability; it may also request other documents depending on the nature of the complaint.

Can I prepare the authorization letter in Turkish?

If the brand owner is foreign, having the document in English facilitates the assessment. It may not be necessary in every case; follow the instructions in the notification.

What should I do if the brand owner does not provide written authorization?

If you cannot obtain authorization, it may be risky to continue selling products from that brand. We can evaluate the situation together via a one-on-one consultation.

This article has been prepared for general information purposes and is not legal advice. Trademark law and Amazon policies may vary by country and time; rely on your notification and Seller Central for current conditions. Last update: October 2026.