When you’re an Etsy seller, knowing about copyright protection in the United States can be crucial to your business. To help you grasp this concept, we’ve compiled a guide that explains what is and isn’t protected by copyright, how long it lasts, and what steps to take if your copyright has been infringed.
Automatic Copyright Protection: A Brief Overview
The moment you create a work that qualifies for copyright protection in the U.S., it’s automatically covered. Although registration of your work with the United States Copyright Office isn’t mandatory, it does provide some additional benefits.
- To understand more about what qualifies for copyright protection and what doesn’t, view this document.
- Check out the comprehensive guide on Intellectual Property on Etsy here.
Copyright
The Lifespan of a Copyright
In most cases, copyright protection comes into effect at creation and continues until 70 years after the creator’s demise. Following this period, the work commonly enters the public domain. For more details on how long copyrights last, click here.
If You Suspect a Copyright Infringement
Should there be an occasion where you believe someone on Etsy has infringed upon your intellectual property or copyright rights, you have recourse options:
- File a notice of intellectual property infringement via this link.
- Register your brand on our specialized Etsy Reporting Portal to expedite reporting any suspected infringement.
Received an Intellectual Property Infringement Notice?
Etsy’s Intellectual Property Policy mandates us to disable content from shops if we receive alleged infringement reports. If any listings get removed due to such claims, we’ll inform you through email along with contact information of the party filing the claim.
Learn more about next steps when receiving an Intellectual Property Infringement notice here.
For Sellers Outside The United States
For sellers operating outside the U.S., remember that while this information applies primarily to U.S law; many countries worldwide have established copyright relations with the U.S., which means certain copyrights are honored internationally.
Extra Content: Dealing With Brand Rights Violation
If you suspect someone else is violating your brand rights or copying your content - be it descriptions or images - don’t panic! Here are some actions and considerations:
Research Your Options
Understandably such situations can cause distress but knowledge is power! Educate yourself about intellectual property rights which can feel like murky waters at times.
Remember not everything that seems like copying equates to infringement (legally). Consulting with an attorney could clarify whether posting without permission or using misleading trademark names constitutes violation.
In line with our Intellectual Property Policy, only owners or authorized individuals may report violations so make sure sufficient evidence accompanies reports otherwise they risk rejection.
Reach Out
Sometimes reaching out directly may help resolve issues of potential copying; perhaps they weren’t even aware of any problem!
File A Report
Etsy values supporting our sellers by removing listings that violate rights and policies through our newly created Etsy Reporting Portal making it easy for brand registration and report filing in just five simple steps. Please note misuse or knowingly submitting false claims infringes not only Etsy policies but potentially applicable laws too.
Remember every situation differs so researching relevant laws consulting attorneys could prove helpful in deciding best courses of action given complexities surrounding intellectual property laws vary globally. Although we cannot provide legal advice or assist in legal filings please know available options exist should any content allegedly infringing upon intellectual property rights surface on Etsy.