Do you have a question regarding the use of the eBay name or logo? Would you like to link from your website 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 website, 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 the United States and many other countries. We generally do not permit the use of the eBay logo by third parties unless they have a written license agreement with eBay. Use of the eBay logo without permission from eBay is not permitted on any of the following types of materials:
On merchandise (homemade or otherwise), including but not limited to:
Shirts/Hats and other clothes
eBay Affiliates Program™
The eBay Affiliates Program allows you to earn money when internet users click on an eBay banner ad on your site. Click here to learn more about the Affiliates Program.
PowerSellers Logo
Registered eBay Powerseller may use the eBay Powersellers logo in certain circumstances. Please review the Powersellers Program Agreement to learn about the permitted uses.
Linking to eBay From Your Website
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 website, 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 website 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 the United States 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. Visit the Use of eBay Names, Logos, Screenshots or Domain Names page for more information about registering domain names similar to the eBay name.
Certain uses of domain names may also subject the owner to additional penalties. Congress recently passed a statute called the Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act of 1999, which provides for penalties of up to $100,000 against persons who in bad faith and without authorization, use, sell, or offer for sale a domain name that infringes another's trademark. Click here for more information on trademark law.
eBay Logos and Screenshots
We occasionally permit the use of eBay logos or screenshots by third parties. For example, we may permit the use of an eBay screen shot in a college textbook or a motion picture. However, such uses of screenshots or the eBay logo usually require a written license from 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 through our Contact Rules and Safety page.)
Violations of this policy may result in a range of actions, including:
Limits on account privileges
Forfeit of eBay fees on cancelled listings
Loss of PowerSeller status
For more information about trademarks and domain names, see any of the following sources:
If you have a trademark, copyright, or patent and are concerned about protecting it on the eBay website, please read about our Verified Rights Owner (VeRO) Program.
Why does eBay have this policy?
eBay has this policy in order to protect its intellectual property rights and brand name.
