IP and Counterfeit Policy

Last updated: [Add date before launch]

This IP and Counterfeit Policy explains Cloud9 Toy Sourcing’s position on counterfeit, replica, copycat and unauthorized branded products.

Cloud9 supports brand-safe sourcing for business buyers.

Cloud9 does not support counterfeit or unauthorized product sourcing.

This page is a draft and should be reviewed before launch.

Our core policy

Cloud9 does not source counterfeit, replica or unauthorized branded toys.

We help buyers source original, custom, factory-direct or properly authorized products only.

This policy applies to all enquiries, including plush toys, blind-box style toys, collectible toys, vinyl and PVC figures, character products, keychains, bag charms, cute accessories and giftable products.

What Cloud9 will not source

Cloud9 will not knowingly support sourcing requests for:

Counterfeit toys
Replica toys
Fake branded products
Unauthorized character products
Copycat collectibles
Knockoff designer toys
Unofficial versions of protected characters
Products using logos, artwork or characters without permission
Products described as "same as" a protected brand or character
Products that appear designed to mislead buyers about origin or authorization

Branded and licensed products

Cloud9 may only support branded or licensed product sourcing where proper authorization can be confirmed.

If a buyer requests products involving a protected brand, character, logo, artwork or license, Cloud9 may ask for proof of authorization.

If authorization cannot be confirmed, Cloud9 may decline the enquiry.

Cloud9 labels each brand and character with a clear sourcing status. "Yes" means sourcing is available and buyers can enquire for current details. "On request" means availability is confirmed per enquiry. "No" means Cloud9 does not source that brand. These labels use fixed wording. They never claim an official, authorized or licensed relationship without documented evidence.

Custom and original products

Cloud9 is best suited to original and custom product sourcing, including:

Original plush toys
Custom characters
Mascot products
Private label plush
Brand-owned character products
Original collectible series
Blind-box style concepts using original IP
Giftable accessories using buyer-owned branding

Buyers should only submit artwork, characters, logos, product designs or brand assets they have the right to use.

Buyer responsibility

Buyers are responsible for ensuring they have the right to use any submitted:

Logos
Characters
Artwork
Brand names
Packaging designs
Product designs
Licensed assets
Reference images
Marketing materials

Cloud9 may help ask sourcing questions, but buyers remain responsible for their own intellectual property rights and market compliance.

Reference images

Reference images can be helpful for explaining style, size, materials or construction.

Reference images should not be used to request unauthorized copies of protected products.

If a reference image appears to involve protected IP, Cloud9 may ask whether the buyer owns or controls the rights.

Why this matters

Counterfeit and unauthorized products can create legal, customs, platform, retail and reputational risks.

Brand-safe sourcing protects buyers, suppliers, customers and Cloud9.

Enquiries we may decline

Cloud9 may decline enquiries that appear to involve:

Fake branded toys
Replica collectibles
Unauthorized character products
Copycat product requests
Unclear IP ownership
Requests to avoid brand authorization
Requests to imitate protected products too closely

Cloud9 does not need to provide sourcing support for enquiries that create IP, safety or reputational risk.

Reporting concerns

If you believe a product request, supplier or page connected to Cloud9 raises IP concerns, contact Cloud9 through the website.

We will review the concern and take reasonable action where appropriate.

Important note

This IP and Counterfeit Policy is provided as a practical draft for website publication. It should be reviewed by a qualified legal professional before launch.