Games Workshop VERO strike

[quality-3d-prints]

Hi,

I keep having my 3D printed models removed by Games Workshop for apparent trademark infringement. I have been amending them removing terms like 'Space Marine' Tyranids etc but they keep comming back and vero striking my listings, and the reasons are getting more and more outlandish. 

The most recent one says I've infringed on their trademark 'WAR GAMES'.

There are 2 issues with that. Firstly I do not believe they have a trademark on the term 'WAR GAMES'. Secondly, no where in my listings does it say 'WAR GAMES'. My listings say 'Wargaming' in the title but that is all. 

I'm getting close to having my 18 year old ebay account perma banned now because of this. I really feel like they're targetting me, I don't know why. Maybe they just pick an account to go after to get them banned and thin out the competition. There are listings up, similar to mine with Warhammer 40k in the title and any number of other trademarks that have clearly been up a very long time with 60+ sales.

I've tried contacting ebay support but they just say I need to contact gamesworkshop. When I contact Games workshop they say what amounts to, learn trademark law and contact my lawyer. They won't go into detail or defend themselves.

I'm not sure what to do. Any advice?

Thanks,

Andy

[tobiasd4]

It won't help that you are trading illegal as unregistered business. 

If you make item to sell, you must register as business seller. 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/help/policies/selling-policies/business-seller-policy?id=4710

Also read VeRo at bottom of page. 

If you are not careful, ebay may ban your from the site.

[john1297576]

“When I contact Games workshop they say what amounts to, learn trademark law and contact my lawyer. They won't go into detail or defend themselves.”

They do not need to go into detail, they have told you to contact a lawyer, have you done that? If so what advice does he give?

As you are only registered as a Private seller selling NEW items that will no doubt not help.

[quality-3d-prints]

I wasn't aware I had to register as a business account for that reason as I'm just starting out and looking at other listings on ebay similar to mine many are not business sellers. I'm not even sure if I can make a profit yet after expenses and if gamesworkshop have targeted me for whatever reason then I definately can't.

[quality-3d-prints]

I can't afford a lawyer for this. Does games workshop have a trademark on 'WAR GAMES'?

Why does games workshop care if I'm a private or business account?

[tobiasd4]

Just because other private sellers are selling similar, probably means they haven't been reported. 

Games workshop can afford to take you to court, don't ignore the message. 

[quality-3d-prints]

I hope they do take me to court as I've not broken any laws. Ignore what message?

[quality-3d-prints]

I am a registered business account now. So what's your advice guys?

[plpmr]

the account you are posting from states - Registered as a business seller.

[quality-3d-prints]

Indeed, I am a business seller now. Do games workshop have a trademark on 'war games'? Because that is what my listings are being taken down for. (even though they don't even say 'war games' they say 'wargaming'.)