Shopify copycat store removal

Why Shopify matters

Shopify powers a huge share of independent online stores, including many legitimate brands. The same tools that make it easy to launch a real brand make it easy to launch a convincing copy, often using stolen photos, copy, and product names, then drive traffic to it with ads.

Shopify's Acceptable Use Policy prohibits content that infringes others' copyrights or trademarks.

How enforcement works on Shopify

• Copyright reports. Shopify complies with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). When it receives a complete and valid notice, it generally removes the reported content and tells the merchant through their store admin. Merchants can respond with a counter notice. Shopify's online form is the most efficient way to file.
• Trademark reports. Trademark infringement is also reported through Shopify's online form, or by email to legal@shopify.com if the form can't be used.
• Repeat infringers. Shopify may terminate stores for repeat infringement, such as when several notices go uncontested. When a store is terminated for repeat infringement, other shops owned or operated by the same infringer may be terminated too.

Responsive on IP claims, slower on the most dangerous sites

Shopify has historically maintained a strong abuse reporting process and is typically responsive to takedown requests. Its trust and safety teams are well trained, and Shopify remains a critical part of the e-commerce landscape.

Over the past year, though, we've seen a trend: phishing sites and stores using AI-altered imagery are left up longer than stores targeted by a simple DMCA or trademark request. Shopify currently takes close to two weeks to respond to these malicious sites, which often do more damage than a typical IP infringer because they're built to steal customers' money and personal information.

That doesn't mean Shopify is unresponsive. In the last six months, Shopify has helped remove more than 500 phishing sites that Bustem reported. But with sites this harmful, speed is everything.

How we enforce on Shopify

Because Shopify's response to malicious sites can take time, the most important thing a brand can control is how quickly the process starts. Bustem detects copycat and phishing stores as they appear and sends enforcement notices automatically, so every report reaches Shopify as early as possible.

We also encourage brands to communicate directly with Shopify through their own Shopify account representatives whenever possible. Sharing the detections we uncover, along with your own experience on the platform, gives Shopify a clearer picture of the problem. We believe there are improvements Shopify can make, and feedback from merchants helps push those forward.