Copyright 101: Can I Print This?
Aug 22, 2017
If this question pops-up, most probably you are thinking of using an image or text created by someone else and possibly copyrighted. How to know if a design is ready for commercial use?
We Have Prepared a Visual Copyright Guide of What You Can Not Use
More detailed information can be found in our Intellectual Property Guide.
Can I Print This?
This article is for educational purposes only, not for commercial use. Images used in this article are the property of their authors and cannot be used for commercial purposes.
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Written by
Liz Ortner
An anthropologist that longs for global equality and sees Print On Demand as a tool for empowerment
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16 comments
Is a common term like dog mum allowed?
Hi Parker Jessica,
If you have doubts, it’s best to check if this phrase is trademarked. I would guess, it’s not, but better double-check.
I see above you cannot use quotes from famous people – does this also apply if you give the name of the person?
eg: You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.
― C.S. Lewis
Can I print something like that?
Thank you
John
Hi John,
It’s best to check this sort of stuff on the appropriate websites or by consulting with a legal specialist.
Would I be able to make Pokemon clothing? Would I have to pay royalties to the company that owns it?
Hi David,
I believe, you need to purchase the rights to sell Pokemon designs.
How about Proverbs like Irish, African, Latin proverbs. For example: “Beware of the anger of a patient man – Irish Proverb”. Are those okay?
can I use a celebrity pic but add words to it?
Hi all! Can we print original drawings of historical figures (scientists)? Thanks!
can we use quotes like “it is what it is” in our own way for tshirt design ?
Hi Nima! Thank you for the question. We did an article about intellectual property, hope it will help you – https://www.wix.com/blog/ecommerce/2020/06/intellectual-property-for-print-on-demand
– Elina
Having trouble posting individual artwork
Would witty and or trending phrases be of breach?
Examples:
Quarantine Baby or Mama Hair Don’t Care or That’s what she said
What if I hold a merch license from say Disney or Universal? How do I submit such an agreement with Printify?
I would also like to know the answer to Laurnie G’s question. It seems everyone is printing quotes and likenesses left and right.
What if the design is a modification of a brand’s logo? The elements behind the modification are original but there are elements of the original content used.
How to artists/websites get away with printing and selling shirts that have phrases and quotes from tv shows and songs?