Ebay...Trademark violation?

[AMYCC1]

I had an ADT security sticker listed on ebay but I was recently informed that the auction was pulled because its a trademark violation. I don't get it - it's a real ADT sticker and it belonged to me and I was selling it. How does this violate anything? Any insights would be great.

 

[mountdew1]

I had an ADT security sticker listed on ebay but I was recently informed that the auction was pulled because its a trademark violation. I don't get it - it's a real ADT sticker and it belonged to me and I was selling it. How does this violate anything? Any insights would be great.

My guess would be something along the lines of the only people supposed to have ADT stickers should be their installers. And any sticker they use should be placed immediately on the door/window. And since they don't want to admit that their staff is doing something wrong, they claim that you are making/selling fake stickers.

 

[rflorek]

According to ADT's VeRO page on eBay (the pages where many companies list what is acceptable & unacceptable to list/sell based upon their copyrights & trademarks):

"To ensure the quality of ADT-branded products and services, ADT does not authorize the sale or distribution of any of its products on the Internet, except through authorized affiliated companies. Any items listed on eBay utilizing ADT trademarks, logos, text and photos and/or any reference to ADT that may mislead or misrepresent ADT copyrighted/trademark property or warranty provisions are a violation of ADT intellectual property rights. Such listings will be removed by eBay at the request of ADT. Examples of improper or illegal listings involving ADT-branded products include:

Items illegally using copyrighted material or a trademark-owned by ADT including signs and stickers.
Items not available for sale to the public such as yard signs, window stickers, user and/or installation manuals.
Stating or implying that the product is new or covered under warranty. ADT does NOT provide any warranty for a product sold on eBay.
The placement of an ADT trademark such as a logo or sticker on a counterfeit product.
Company apparel including shirts, hats and bags.


Under certain circumstances, ADT permits auctions of previously-installed products as long as the seller does not violate any copyright, trademark or false advertising rights. To help ensure that your auction is not cancelled at the request of ADT:

Include proof of security system ownership. In many cases, ADT customers lease the security systems installed in their homes. In such cases, the hardware remains the property of ADT and cannot by transferred to another party.
State that the seller is in no way affiliated with ADT.
State that the item does not have a manufacturer warranty.
Use original text and pictures.
State that the item is USED."

 

[AMYCC1]

Thanks so much for the info. I do have an ADT system but all this hassle is not worth a few bucks on a sticker!! THanks for all your help!

 

[luvmy3]

I am so curious I need to ask. Why would anyone want to buy an ADT sticker? I just cleaned out a storage closet and found ours, silly me I threw it in the trash

 

[msmayor]

I am so curious I need to ask. Why would anyone want to buy an ADT sticker? I just cleaned out a storage closet and found ours, silly me I threw it in the trash

Because many folks will tell you that simply having the sticker on your window is enough to deter anyone from breaking in for fear of 'tripping' a system.

 

[luvmy3]

Because many folks will tell you that simply having the sticker on your window is enough to deter anyone from breaking in for fear of 'tripping' a system.

Oh well I guess I could see people wanting them for that. We we never put ours up because we figured if a thief sees that you have an alarm they will cut your phone lines so that the sysytem can't call out.

 

[here757]

people do it to make robbers think they have the system..
i know alot of people in my neighborhood actually had the service becasue it came with the house..
as far as copyright.. wouldnt that apply only if you take their logo and put it on something eles?
in this car the whole sticker is being sold.. i dont think its copy right

 

[msmayor]

Oh well I guess I could see people wanting them for that. We we never put ours up because we figured if a thief sees that you have an alarm they will cut your phone lines so that the sysytem can't call out.

Ah...but a good alarm system takes care of that too. The one we have has a "line cut" notification. If the system is armed AND the phone line is disrupted, the siren goes off. Granted, the monitoring feature that would mean the alarm company calls the police won't work since there's no phone line to them letting them know the alarm went off, but the 100-decibel siren should be more than enough to scare away any intruder after he's cut my phone line.

 

[ryan89]

They want you to buy an ADT system to get the sticker! They very well know the sticker does more than their security system, but obviously they won't make much money selling $2 stickers by themselves.

 

[rflorek]

as far as copyright.. wouldnt that apply only if you take their logo and put it on something eles?
in this car the whole sticker is being sold.. i dont think its copy right

No, they say right in their explanation on eBay that Items not available for sale to the public are not allowed to be sold on eBay. I think that's why they pulled the OP's listing.

I only discovered these pages on eBay after listing some of my DS old Weight Watchers items for sale. Apparently, WW is VERY picky about what they will allow you to sell. When they referred me to their page (after removing my listing on eBay), I found MANY stores/companies/organizations that have strict requirements about what they will allow you to sell (and use in your listing) on eBay.