Do you have a question regarding the use of the eBay name or logo? Would you like to link from your Web site to the eBay homepage or to a list of your eBay listings? Are you unsure about registering a domain name, which contains ‘eBay’ in it?
The guidelines below will give you an idea of what is and is not permitted. If you have any questions or would like to make a permission request, please email us at iprequest@ebay.com.
The eBay Name
It is usually permissible for you to refer to eBay in a descriptive manner on your Web site, in item listings or in advertisements. For example, you might say "Check out my antique items on eBay", or "I sell on eBay". (By the way, eBay is always spelled "eBay"; it is never spelled "Ebay" or "e-Bay".) You should not refer to eBay in any way that might lead someone to believe that your company or site is sponsored by, affiliated with, or endorsed by eBay.
The eBay Logo
The eBay name and logo are registered trademarks in many countries. Under Malaysian law, the proprietor of a registered trademark has the exclusive rights in relation to the goods or services for which the trademark is registered —
(a) to use the trademark; and
(b) to authorise other persons to use the trademark.
The rights of the registered proprietor would be infringed by an unauthorised use of an identical or similar sign without the requisite consent of the registered proprietor. eBay does not generally permit the use of the eBay logo by third parties unless they have a written licence agreement with eBay. Use of the eBay logo without permission from eBay is not permitted on any of the following types of materials:
- Promotional materials
- Flyers
- Web sites
- In your auction-style listing
-
On merchandise (homemade or otherwise), including but not limited to:
- Business cards
- Shirts/Hats and other clothes
- Bean bag plush toys
- Store windows
- Miniature cars
- Mailing labels
- Mousepads
- Signage
- Buttons
- Coins
- Mugs
- Dolls
- Toys
eBay Affiliates Programme™
The eBay Affiliates Programme allows you to earn money when internet users click on an eBay banner ad on your site.
Linking to eBay From Your Web site
Drive Internet users to your eBay store or listings using a special button we’ve created for you. If you’d like to create a link to eBay from your Web site, we can make it easier for you. Visit the Link Your Site to eBay page to learn more.
Framing the eBay Site
'Framing' or altering the way in which the eBay Web site is viewed is not permitted. 'Framing' usually means causing third party content to appear above or around the eBay site.
eBay Domain Names
eBay owns exclusive trademark rights in the eBay name in Malaysia and in many countries internationally. The ownership, use or sale of a domain name containing the eBay name is not permitted because it is likely a trademark infringement. We do not give permission to third parties to register domain names containing "eBay". Also, eBay item listings attempting to sell such domains are likely to be ended by eBay.
While it has become very popular to register, use and sell domain names (including on eBay), it generally is not permissible to own, sell or use a domain name, which contains a trademark owned by another person or company.
Certain uses of domain names may also subject the owner to additional penalties. In the United States, Congress passed a statute called the Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act of 1999, which provides for penalties of up to US$100,000 against persons who in bad faith and without authorisation use, sell, or offer for sale a domain name that infringes another's trademark.
In Malaysia, .my domain names are registered on a first-come-first-serve basis. Unlike the United States, there are no anti-cybersquatting laws in Malaysia, but the MYNIC Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy is incorporated by reference into the domain name registration agreement entered into by the domain name holder of a .my domain name, and provides for a mandatory dispute resolution mechanism where there is a complaint that the domain name infringes a trademark.
eBay Logos and Screenshots
You may not use screenshots from eBay unless you are granted an express written license by eBay. To ask for permission to use an eBay logo or screen shot, please submit your request by going to our Permissions Request Form.
If you have any other questions about the use of eBay's trademarks or other intellectual property, please email us at iprequest@ebay.com. (Prohibited or Restricted Items should be reported.)
Activity on eBay is required to follow this policy, the eBay User Agreement and all applicable laws, as well as respect the rights of third parties. If it doesn’t, eBay may take action consistent with applicable laws and the eBay User Agreement, and may even be legally required to do so. Such actions may include, as an example only: Removing the listing or other content, issuing a warning, restricting activity or account suspension.
Additional Information
For more information about trademarks and domain names, see any of the following sources:
- MYNIC Berhad
- Trade Marks Act 1976
If you have a trademark, copyright, or patent and are concerned about protecting it on the eBay Web site, please read about our Verified Rights Owner (VeRO) Programme .
Why does eBay have this policy?
eBay has this policy in order to protect its intellectual property rights and brand name.