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As an eBay member, you are responsible for making sure that buying or selling an item is legal in the eyes of the law. It is essential that you have a look at the items that are prohibited and restricted on eBay.

Encouraging Infringement Policy

What is this policy?
Sellers may not use the eBay site to enable, encourage or instruct others to infringe copyrights, trademarks or other rights

How does this policy get violated?
Listings with the following are not permitted on eBay and lead to violation of the policy
  • A link to a website that sells bootleg/pirated recordings
  • An eBook describing how to defeat copyright protection and copy DVDs
  • A listing offering an authentic Rolex box and suggesting buyers use it to sell a counterfeit watch
  • A 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
Violations of this policy may result in one or more actions, including:
  • Listings that violate this policy may be ended early by eBay
  • Multiple violations of eBay policy could result in the suspension of your account
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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