A digital listing may change, disappear or return under another account. The first objective should therefore not be to accumulate screenshots, but to preserve an understandable and verifiable representation of what occurred.
A screenshot is one item, not the file
A screenshot shows an interface at a particular time. On its own, it may not explain the source URL, the date, the seller, the price or available delivery options.
Initial preservation may include, depending on the matter:
- the complete URL and access date;
- title, description, price and images;
- public seller or account information;
- variants, availability, location and delivery terms;
- downloaded files and related links;
- a record of changes and reappearances.
Preservation is not a conclusion
Evidence should be retained before deciding whether infringement exists. A low price or official-looking images may indicate counterfeiting, but may also reflect resale, clearance, parallel imports or error.
Preservation keeps analysis possible; a premature allegation may narrow it.
The standard depends on the action
Information sufficient for internal review may not be enough for a platform report, negotiation or litigation. The intended route determines what should be preserved and with what degree of formality.