Copyright issues are one of the biggest reasons new POD sellers get labelled, fined, or suspended from platforms like Etsy, Redbubble, and Amazon Merch.
What’s tricky is that copyright infringement isn’t always obvious.
That cute quote you found on Pinterest? Probably copyrighted. Even fonts and AI-generated art can land you in trouble if you’re not careful.
On the good side, avoiding copyright issues doesn’t mean you have to be a lawyer or give up creative freedom.
You just need to know the rules and how to stay a few steps ahead. And we’re here to help.
Read on to learn more about avoiding copyright issues in print-on-demand so you’ll know what to pay attention to and save your reputation ( and money).
What Exactly is Copyright in Print-on-Demand?
In POD, copyright refers to the legal rights to use artwork, text, or designs on products such as T-shirts, mugs, and posters.
If you’re creating or selling POD items, it’s important to understand these rules to avoid potential legal trouble.
When you’re in the print-on-demand world, you really need to know what counts as protected.
Common types of content protected by copyright in POD include:
- Artwork and illustrations
- Photography
- Text (quotes, literary excerpts)
- Logos, symbols, and branding elements
- Fonts that aren’t licensed for commercial use
- Character images from movies, books, games, or comics.
A report from the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) indicates that counterfeit goods account for up to 2.5% of world trade, with fashion and luxury items among the most commonly seized categories.
Copyright vs. Trademarks: What’s the Difference?
Copyright and trademarks are both forms of intellectual property protection, but they serve different purposes and protect different types of creations.
| Aspect | Copyright | Trademark |
| What it protects | Original creative works (art, music, writing, photography, films, software) | Brand identifiers (names, logos, slogans, symbols) that distinguish goods or services in commerce |
| Purpose | Protects the expression of ideas, allowing creators exclusive rights to use, reproduce, distribute, and profit from their works | Helps consumers identify the source of goods or services and prevents confusion between brands |
| How/When protection happens | Automatically upon creation and fixation of the work in a tangible medium (saving a file, drawing a picture) | Must be registered for the strongest protection, and must be distinctive in the marketplace |
| Registration | Optional but recommended for added legal benefits, such as in court disputes | Typically registered with a government body, for legal enforceability |
| Duration | Finite: Life of the creator plus 70 years (varies by jurisdiction and type of work) | Potentially indefinite as long as the trademark is actively used and properly renewed |
Copyright protects the creator’s original works of authorship, granting automatic legal rights upon creation.
Trademarks protect the distinctive marks that identify and differentiate a brand’s products or services, generally requiring registration for maximum protection.
Why is Copyright Important in POD?
By understanding how copyright applies to print-on-demand, you can build a business that is both creative and legally compliant and create value without risking infringement issues.
Here are 3 main areas where copyright plays a major role:
1. Legal liability
- Copyright infringement can result in costly lawsuits, statutory damages, and substantial settlement demands from rights holders. Did you know that a staggering 70% of UK and EU POD businesses fail to take adequate steps to avoid copyright violations, leaving them at high risk for takedowns, lost revenue, or legal escalation?
- Many popular POD platforms, such as Redbubble, Teespring, Amazon Merch, etc., immediately suspend or permanently ban sellers found violating copyright. You may lose access to sales, pending payments, and your customer base.
- Platforms are legally required to respond to copyright complaints. Repeated strikes can shut down entire accounts or shops, even if infringements were accidental.
2. Brand reputation
- Customers are more likely to support brands that are original, ethical, and socially responsible. Using unauthorized or copied content can lead to backlash, negative reviews, and public criticism.
- Other businesses, influencers, and partners want to collaborate with brands that follow legal, professional standards.
- POD marketplaces prefer shops with original designs and that follow the rules. If you keep having copyright issues, your products may rank lower in search, miss out on promotions, or even get excluded.
3. Long-term viability
- If your designs, listings, or even your entire shop are taken down, you lose your revenue streams and face a daunting rebuilding process.
- Operating within the law protects you from surprise legal notices, takedown requests, or expensive disputes that can derail your business plan.
- IP laws and rules can change quickly, especially with new AI tools and global enforcement. If your business follows strong copyright practices, it’s easier to stay compliant and avoid risks.
Worth Knowing
Mighty Mug, known for its anti-tip mugs, faced a major counterfeiting problem.
Fake versions of its products flooded online marketplaces, including Alibaba, Amazon, and eBay, resulting in an estimated $15–20 million in lost revenue.
These counterfeits also stalled international growth, as some distributors wouldn’t carry the real product due to the market being overrun with fakes.
Customer trust was also hurt when people received low-quality copies, thinking they were buying the real thing.
To find a scalable solution, Mighty Mug partnered with Red Points, a brand protection platform that uses AI and machine learning.
Red Points uses bots and automated crawlers to scan over 100 sites, including social media and global marketplaces, for fake products.
The brand reviews each flagged item, and confirmed counterfeits are reported for removal, speeding up the detection and takedown process.
With the help of AI-driven brand protection, Mighty Mug was able to re-enter countries where counterfeit products had previously crowded out genuine ones.
Also, brand image improved, and revenue loss dropped significantly.
Avoiding Copyright Issues in Print-on-Demand in 6 easy steps
So, how do you protect your POD business and stay on the right side of the law? Let’s break down the key steps you can take to avoid copyright issues.
1. Create Original Content
Not only does originality make your print-on-demand shop stand out, but even more importantly, it keeps you out of legal trouble.
1.1. Start from Scratch
This is your chance to create something entirely unique that also aligns with your target audience.
Whether it’s a quirky illustration, a bold graphic, or a catchy slogan, always start with a blank canvas and your own ideas.
Avoid copying or “borrowing inspiration” too closely from someone else’s work, even if it’s trending or “just for fun.”
1.2. Showcase Your Style
The best POD brands have a signature look. Maybe it’s your hand-drawn doodles, your sarcastic one-liners, or the color palette combination.
When your designs reflect a consistent style, it not only helps your shop feel more professional, but it also makes it easier to stay original.
You won’t feel the need to mimic others because your own style is already the selling point.
1.3. Keep Your Documentation
Here’s a pro tip most beginners skip: save your process. Keep your design drafts, rough sketches, mood boards, and brainstorming notes.
Besides being great for tracking your growth, it can also serve as proof if someone ever accuses you of copying.
Having a clear trail that shows you created the work from the ground up can make a huge difference.
2. Use Licensed or Public Domain Materials
But what if you aren’t an artistic type and don’t have either the time or the will to create a design from scratch?
Well, there are plenty of legal ways to use art, photos, fonts, and more in your print-on-demand creations, as long as you use them the right way.
Here’s how to stay on the safe side:
2.1. Use Public Domain Resources
You can find amazing illustrations and artwork on public domain sites, such as:
- Public Domain Vectors: Offers vector images and illustrations that are released into the public domain.
- Pixabay: A massive library of free stock photos, illustrations, vector graphics, and videos. But, be careful: Most content is under the Pixabay License, allowing free commercial use without attribution, but not for resale “as-is”.
- RawPixel (public domain section): Features a curated collection of vintage and historical images that are in the public domain.
But here’s the golden rule: Always double-check the license.
Just because something is labeled as “free” doesn’t always mean it’s okay for commercial use, which is what POD is.
Look for phrases like “free for commercial use” or “no attribution required,” and when in doubt, reach out to the site for clarification.
2.2. Properly Purchased Assets
If you’re using stock images, fonts, or design elements from a royalty-free platform, make sure you’re using the correct type of license, especially for print-on-demand.
For example, a basic license might allow you to use a font for social media, but not on a T-shirt you’re selling.
Additionally, some platforms offer a special POD license or extended license, and yes, it usually costs a little more, but it’s worth every penny if it means you’re legally protected.
💡 Save your receipts, download your license files, and maybe even take a screenshot of the license terms at the time of purchase.
If a platform ever asks for proof, you’ll be ready.
2.3. Get Written Permission
If you’re directly referencing or building upon someone else’s work, whether it’s a quote, an illustration, or even a design idea, it’s always safest to get written permission.
That means reaching out to the creator and asking clearly:
- Can I use your design for commercial products?
- Can I make changes?
- Can I sell it on print-on-demand platforms?
Once they say yes, get that permission in writing, ideally through email or a signed license agreement.
3. Follow Legal Guidelines
Copyright laws aren’t universal. What’s allowed in the U.S. might be totally different in Canada, Australia, the UK, or the EU.
And since you might be selling to a global audience, or using a platform based in another country, it’s important to understand the rules where you live, and where your platform operates.
Marketplaces and eCommerce platforms have their own terms and policies around intellectual property.
In addition, just because something is technically “legal” doesn’t mean a platform will allow it.
Each marketplace can remove your listings, withhold your earnings, or even ban your account if they believe you’ve broken their IP rules, even if no legal action has been taken yet.
How can you prevent this?
Take a few minutes to read:
- Their Intellectual Property Policy
- Their Community Standards
- Their Content or Design Guidelines
| Comparison of IP Enforcement Policies Across Major POD Platforms | |||
| Feature | Etsy | Redbubble | Amazon Merch (Merch by Amazon) |
| IP Enforcement System | DMCA-based notice-and-takedown. Immediate removal of reported content | Notice-and-takedown system under DMCA | Strict, rapid enforcement through dedicated IP portal |
| Processing Method | Automated takedown via online form.Minimal investigation before action | Similar to EtsyHigh volume of automated takedowns | Detailed complaints submitted through Amazon’s IP complaint portal |
| Seller Notification | Seller notified upon takedown.Given option to submit counter-notice | Sellers may submit a counter-notice if they believe removal was incorrect | Sellers can appeal with strong evidence.You must respond promptly |
| Repeat Violation Policy | Multiple violations can lead to permanent shop removal.No fixed number of strikes | Infringing content often resurfaces. Repeat offenders removed | Multiple violations often result in suspension or permanent ban.No fixed strike count |
| Brand Owner Role | Etsy acts based on rights holder complaints | Brands must actively monitor and report. Platform reacts rather than proactively polices | Rights holders file detailed IP complaints with supporting documentation |
| Marketplace Liability | Etsy is generally protected under DMCA safe harbor rules | Redbubble usually not liable if compliant | Amazon takes a proactive stance to avoid liability.Prioritizes IP protection |
| Common Infringements | Copyrighted images, trademarks, logos | Pop culture characters, logos, unlicensed artwork | Copyrighted art/phrases, trademarks, brand logos, counterfeit products |
| Counter-Notice Process | Yes, with specific steps outlined by Etsy | Yes, and if the IP owner doesn’t take legal action, content may be restored. | Yes, but sellers must provide convincing documentation to challenge a claim |
Worth knowing
In most POD cases, commercial products do NOT qualify for “fair use”, so don’t rely on this defense.
Unless you’re working with a lawyer who has reviewed your case and given you the green light, it’s best to avoid using protected content under the “fair use” umbrella. It’s just not worth the risk in POD.
4. Do regular copyright and trademark checks
Protecting your store starts with making sure the designs you upload aren’t accidentally infringing on someone else’s work.
If you wonder where to start, here are a few handy tips:
Before uploading a design, you can use reverse image search tools to see if you’re unknowingly replicating something that is already out.
However, even if your design doesn’t replicate an image, it might infringe trademark rights. The following tools can be of great help:
| Tool | Region | Coverage |
| USPTO | United States | Federal trademark database |
| EUIPO / TMview | European Union | EU and participating national trademarks |
| WIPO Global Brand | International (global) | Worldwide trademarks, including logos |
| DPMA | Germany | German national trademarks |
| Google Patents | Global patents | Patent documents from many countries |
| Espacenet | Global patents | Free, international patent search |
Worth knowing
If you’re using Amazon Merch, double-check the Amazon Brand Registry database before using taglines, logos, or even stylized text.
As a result, you can minimize the risk of conflicting with a registered brand or face a swift takedown from the platform.
Luckily, there are brand protection software tools that are on the pricier side but offer powerful solutions that
- Monitor,
- Identify, and
- Address various threats, including counterfeit goods, trademark violations, brand impersonation, domain squatting, unauthorized resale, and harmful content.
What’s best, they are doing it at a great speed, so any duplicates are quickly taken down.
Depending on the solution, they can also quickly file a lawsuit against infringers on your behalf.
Here’s a list of top anti-infringement solutions:
| Platform | Best For | Key Capabilities | Possible Limitation |
| BrandShield | All sizes, proactive protection | Marketplace, social, ad monitoringFast takedownsDashboard reporting | May be less flexible for enterprise |
| Red Points | eCommerce, counterfeit detection | Automated detection & takedown on marketplaces, social, websites | Primarily for high-volume eCommerce |
| Corsearch | Legal-centric, IP-heavy organizations | Trademark protection marketplace monitoringAI enforcement | More complex, legal focus |
| ZeroFox | Cybersecurity-focused | Covers digital presence, social, domains, takedowns, threat intelligence | Broader security platform |
| Tracer | Data-driven, multi-channel protection | AI-powered detection, Domain/social/app monitoringReal-time insight | Focused on digital/online environments |
| GreyScout | End-to-end reseller accountability | Reseller monitoring, AuthenticationOne-click enforcement | Market niche focus |
| Bolster | Automated fraud/phishing detection | Real-time phishing/site detectionTakedownGlobal scope | May require technical resources |
5. Establish clear store policies
Adding an Intellectual Property Policy to your shop is a powerful move.
Why? Because it shows that you take copyright seriously. It also builds credibility with your customers and signals to brands and creators that you respect the rules.
Add a note stating that you welcome takedown requests if someone believes you’ve used their IP address, and include a contact email address.
It’s a simple way to look polished and professional.
And speaking of takedown requests, here’s what to do when you get them:
- Act quickly: Remove the design in question as soon as you’re notified.
- Review the claim: Ensure you understand the reason for the takedown. Sometimes it’s a mistake or a false claim.
- Reflect on your process: Did you use a questionable graphic? Did your design toe the line of someone else’s brand?
Use each takedown as a chance to improve your strategy and avoid similar slip-ups in the future.
And if you believe the notice is incorrect, most platforms give you a way to respond. Just make sure you have solid proof to support your claim.
6. Choose the Right License
Having the correct license is essential when using fonts, templates, mockups, graphics, or any assets you didn’t create yourself.
There are 2 types of licenses you must know about:
- Commercial use license
- Extended POD licence.
6.1. Commercial use licence
This type of licence allows you to use assets in products that are sold for profit.
Typically, you can incorporate the asset into your design, but you can’t resell the asset as a stand-alone.
For example, you can use a stock illustration in a shirt design, but can’t sell the unaltered illustration itself.
Some have limitations on how many units you can sell or require attribution.
6.2. Extended POD licence
You need an extended POD license for selling products on-demand at scale, mainly when your design relies heavily on a stock or marketplace asset.
You also need it if you wish to maximize sales potential or use the asset “as-is.”It specifically covers the use of assets on POD platforms.
Assets that often get overlooked but that need licenses:
1. Fonts
Even if a font is labeled as “free,” it may not include commercial rights, especially not for POD.
Always check the license and never use a font from a random download site unless it clearly includes a commercial or POD-friendly license.
Trustworthy font sources include Google Fonts (Open Font License), which offers most fonts for free commercial use, and Font Squirrel, which filters only fonts that are 100% free for commercial use.
2. Mockup and templates
Purchase or download only with a stated commercial or POD license.
Without proper licensing, using templates or mockups in your product imagery or designs can lead to copyright claims.
Most platforms clarify in their license terms whether you can use assets in end products for sale, and whether you need an extended license for POD purposes.
How can you safely create product mockups for commercial purposes with Dynamic Mockups?
Dynamic Mockups is an automated mockup automation platform built for POD sellers and eCommerce businesses.
We enable you to easily and quickly create high-quality mockups in bulk, making our platform beginner-friendly.Gif name: Web – Hero video
You’re free to use the mockups you create for commercial purposes, including on platforms like Etsy, WooCommerce, and other marketplaces where you sell your products.
Thus, you can:
- Create custom product scenes using AI by typing a prompt. Your product will be placed in a realistic setting with perfectly matched lighting, shadows, perspective, and style. You can also change backgrounds anytime to keep your visuals fresh and engaging.
- Use the free bulk mockup generator to automatically generate hundreds of product variants in terms of colors and designs, with correct positioning, sizing, and resolution.
- Browse our template gallery with Apparel, Home Deco, Phone Cases, etc., or upload your own Photoshop PSD files with smart objects to create custom mockups.
- Integrate seamlessly with eCommerce platforms and marketplaces.
- Let your customers create and preview product mockups directly within your website or application,for real-time visualization of their designs on a wide range of products.
And the list goes on.
Ready to take Dynamic Mockups for a spin?
Sign up for Dynamic Mockups today and start designing mockups that are original and yours.
Keep Learning:
Best 8 Print-on-Demand Marketing Strategies For Your Business
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How Product Customization Can Skyrocket Your E-commerce Sales: 6 Tips
