If cross-border e-commerce is a battlefield without gunpowder, then malicious listing attacks are the poison arrows hidden in the shadows—unpredictable and devastating. Recently, numerous Amazon sellers in Europe have faced significant setbacks as hundreds of product listings were abruptly removed, with the blame pointing squarely at alleged "OIMG" trademark abuse. Is this a case of competitors' malicious sabotage, or is there more to the story?
The "OIMG" Phenomenon: European Sellers Under Coordinated Attack
Affected sellers report that the attack was widespread, impacting nearly all product categories across European markets, with Italy being hit particularly hard. The attack followed a consistent pattern: product descriptions were altered to include "OIMG," followed by complaints citing "trademark abuse" and "counterfeit goods (without test purchases)." Some sellers saw as many as 40 listings removed within hours, resulting in substantial financial losses. More disturbingly, several sellers revealed this wasn't their first experience with such coordinated attacks.
Behind "OIMG": A Fujian Company Emerges
Investigations trace the complaints to Fujian Miling Technology Co., Ltd., a company based in Jinjiang, Quanzhou, Fujian Province. Established in 2019, the company operates across diverse sectors including apparel, footwear, sports equipment, cosmetics, toys, lighting, and hygiene products. While the exact connection between this company and the mass complaints remains unconfirmed, the pattern raises serious questions.
Echoes of "Closhion": When Will E-Commerce Sabotage End?
The "OIMG" incident bears striking resemblance to last May's "Closhion" trademark infringement case, where another Fujian-based company was implicated in similar mass takedowns. Both cases demonstrate calculated attacks with clear malicious intent, highlighting a troubling trend in cross-border e-commerce.
Such behavior represents the worst of zero-sum competition in digital marketplaces. As observed in business analyses of destructive competition, tactics like price wars, malicious hijacking of listings, and fraudulent infringement claims ultimately create lose-lose scenarios. Industry peers should theoretically collaborate for mutual growth—why then resort to such extreme and damaging tactics?
Countermeasures: Protecting Seller Rights Through Proactive Response
Despite the challenges, affected sellers aren't without recourse. Several have successfully reinstated listings through systematic appeals. Key steps include:
1. Evidence Collection: Document precise timestamps of listing alterations and complaint details.
2. Platform Engagement: Immediately notify Amazon Seller Support about the malicious activity.
3. Appeal Preparation: Compile comprehensive documentation including purchase invoices, brand authorization certificates, and product description archives.
4. Strategic Appeal: Present clear arguments emphasizing the sabotage with supporting evidence.
5. Legal Consultation: Seek professional legal advice when necessary to protect business interests.
Industry Reflection: Building a Healthier E-Commerce Ecosystem
The "OIMG" incident serves as another wake-up call for cross-border e-commerce. Malicious attacks harm individual businesses while eroding industry integrity. Preventing recurrence requires collective action:
1. Platform Oversight: Marketplaces must enhance monitoring systems and improve complaint verification processes.
2. Professional Ethics: Sellers should commit to ethical competition and market stewardship.
3. Legal Frameworks: Strengthened intellectual property protections and clearer regulations are essential.
4. Proactive Defense: Businesses should prioritize trademark registration and brand protection strategies.
The future of cross-border e-commerce shouldn't resemble lawless jungle warfare, but rather a space for fair, transparent, and sustainable competition. Only through establishing robust industry standards can the sector achieve lasting growth.