Amazon's Abuse Controversy... Embarrassed After Trying to Block Use of 'Prime Day' Expression

Request to Refrain from Using the Expression "Prime Day" in Advertising
Apology After Confirming It Is a Traditional Term in the UK Fish Industry

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] Global e-commerce giant Amazon has sparked controversy after it was revealed that the company demanded a British fish seller not to use the term ‘prime day’ in advertisements.

According to British media such as The Telegraph on the 4th (local time), Robin Moxon, who owns several fish shops in London, UK, received an email last month from Amazon’s lawyers requesting him to refrain from using the expression.

The email requested that the term ‘prime day’ used on Moxon’s online fish sales website be removed. According to the lawyers, including ‘prime day’ in fish advertisements could mislead consumers into thinking the content was provided by Amazon.

Prime Day is the name of an annual discount event held exclusively for members of Amazon’s paid Prime service.

After receiving the email, Moxon contacted Amazon’s lawyers and countered that fishmongers have used the term ‘prime day’ for hundreds of years when selling premium fish species such as the European turbot.

Upon learning from Moxon’s explanation that ‘prime day’ is a commonly used term in the fishing industry, Amazon’s lawyers immediately sent an apology email.

Following the controversy, an Amazon spokesperson stated, "The email was sent in error, and we apologize for any inconvenience caused."

Despite Amazon’s apology, Moxon remained angry and told local media, "(Amazon’s initial demand) was overbearing and disgusting," adding, "This term has been used by many people for hundreds of years, long before Jeff Bezos was born."

Previously, Amazon has faced accusations of abuse of power by dominating product storage, transportation, and advertising through its online platform. In response, in October last year, a U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee released a report criticizing the monopolistic abuse of big tech companies including Amazon, highlighting the tyranny of the retail giant.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.