Amazon, founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos, has evolved from a humble online bookstore to a global e-commerce behemoth and technology giant. The company's inception took place in Bezos's garage in Seattle, and its early focus on customer satisfaction and efficient logistics laid the foundation for its unprecedented growth. Amazon's commitment to innovation is evident in its expansion beyond e-commerce into areas such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and entertainment, making it one of the most influential and diverse tech companies in the world.Amazon's first registered trademark was for the term "Amazon.com." The company filed for the trademark on November 30, 1994, and it was officially registered on May 15, 1997. This trademark covered a variety of goods and services related to online retail, electronic commerce, and more.
Amazon employs a proactive approach to monitor and protect its trademarks, demonstrating a relentless commitment to maintaining brand integrity. The company has a history of filing lawsuits against entities it believes infringe on its trademarks, aiming to curb counterfeiting and unauthorized use of its brand. One prominent example is Amazon's legal action against counterfeit sellers on its platform. By leveraging its extensive trademark portfolio, Amazon has successfully pursued legal recourse against individuals and businesses engaging in trademark infringement, sending a clear message about its commitment to maintaining the trust and authenticity of the Amazon brand. In 2011, Apple filed a lawsuit against Amazon over its use of the term "Appstore" for its Android app marketplace. Apple claimed that the term was too similar to its own "App Store" and could lead to confusion among consumers. The legal battle continued for several years, but in 2013, both companies agreed to settle the dispute out of court. Amazon retained the right to use the term "Appstore" for its platform. In 2014, the cosmetics company Lush filed a lawsuit against Amazon, alleging trademark infringement and false advertising. Lush claimed that Amazon's search results for Lush products included listings for counterfeit items, leading to customer confusion. The case was settled in 2015, with Amazon agreeing to take measures to address the sale of counterfeit Lush products on its platform.