I think Amazon wouldn't say they didn't know, but that it's not their responsibility. For example if Random House published a book that libeled someone, and Amazon sold it, you would sue Random House and the author for libel, not Amazon. Likewise, Amazon would tell you to go sue the publisher, who is probably judgement-proof in some way.
The better example is a store that sells counterfeit goods (and continues to sell it even after being made aware). In most countries if they are a small shop they get closed down very quickly, now if they are Amazon ... crickets.
> The better example is a store that sells counterfeit goods (and continues to sell it even after being made aware).
The (frustrating) argument Amazon would make here is that they weren't "aware", there was just an "accusation", and since the accuser didn't supply evidence...
Which would obviously be a load of Reddit-quality IANAL bullshit… yeah?
I mean, really, you cannot lie about who authored books you’re selling. Especially if the author is well known and their reputation has value.
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=37043061 has a reasonable if blunt assessment. But, honestly, this is obvious to everyone who isn’t customer obsessed ;)
Amazon is an international, but is certainly bound by the laws of the United States of America. At least the ones it can't buy itself out of.
"I didn't know" isn't an affirmative defense if your employees are on the record saying they know.