Hello Sellers 👋
So you've got your trademark sorted, you're ready to enrol in Brand Registry, and then... "a brand record already exists." 🫠
Frustrating? Absolutely. Fixable? Almost always. Let's break down what's going on and get you unstuck.
Why Is This Happening?
When you apply to Brand Registry, Amazon checks if a record already exists for your brand name. If it finds one, your application gets flagged as a duplicate. Here's what's usually behind it:
- Your brand was enrolled in an older version of Brand Registry and the record is sitting there like a ghost 👻
- Someone else in your company (a colleague, former partner, or previous account holder) already enrolled it
- A completely different brand just happens to share your name
Whatever the scenario, there's a path forward.
Here's How to Sort It Out
Step 1: Check your application status Head to the Brand Registry portal → Manage → Brand Applications. Look for any messages explaining the hold. Sometimes the answer is right there.
Step 2: Know who enrolled the brand? Get them to add you. If a colleague or business partner holds the enrolment, they can invite you through the Manage Selling Accounts tool inside Brand Registry. Quick and painless.
Step 3: Can't reach the original Administrator? This one's tricky, especially after ownership changes. Here's your move:
- Go to the Brand Registry portal → hover over Support → select Contact Brand Support
- Choose Update Brand Ownership and pick the option that fits your situation
- During the enrolment process, you may also get the option to share your contact details with the current Administrator to prompt them to add you
Step 4: Old Brand Registry enrolment? Just reapply. If your brand was enrolled in the original Brand Registry, it likely has a "Registered Pending Reapproval" status. Submit a fresh application through the current portal and your records will be merged automatically once approved. ✅
Step 5: Double-check your trademark details This trips up more sellers than you'd think. Make sure:
Your trademark is registered (or pending) with the UK Intellectual Property Office or the EUIPO
- The brand name on your application exactly matches the mark text on your trademark
- You've selected the correct mark type (word mark or design mark)
Even a small mismatch can stall your application.
Quick Wins to Avoid Delays ⚡
- Don't close your case from the Case Log. Doing so can add up to 5 days before you can resubmit.
- Keep your trademark contact info current. If the verification code goes to an outdated email, the team can't redirect it.
- Use a separate email for Brand Registry so any Seller Central account issues don't spill over into your brand enrolment.
Helpful Resources
Amazon Brand Registry → Enrol or manage your brand
Brand Registry Eligibility → Check accepted trademarks
Brand Registry Support → Support → Contact Brand Support → For ownership and access issues
Have you dealt with an old brand record blocking your enrolment? What worked for you? Drop your experience below 👇 Your tips could save another seller a serious headache!
