Q: My question is involving copyrights I'm in the process of starting my own t-shirt business I'm trying to get more info
If I go online right now I can take any picture I want posted on a t-shirt printing website and have the tshirt made and printed to me pay for it they receive a profit and they send me the shirt how is that not violating copyright laws like all I want to do is figure out how to run a successful business making t-shirts hats and many other accessories mostly my designs that I'm coming up with and ideas but occasionally one of use some ideas that I think might sell or pictures that might sell with my style of clothing without violating the laws I'm just not understanding the difference from uploading the picture online and having a made then owning your own t-shirt company and doing the same
A: Your example of finding a copyrighted picture online, sending it to a t-shirt company, and having them print a t-shirt with the photo, is infringement. The infringement is just not enforced by the owner, likely because either the owner does not know, or it is not worth the time and expense of pursuing the claim. A copyright owner is much more likely to pursue an infringement claim against someone who is reproducing and selling copyrighted images as part of a business. To legally go forward with your business of making t-shirts, you can obtain permission from the copyright owner or use images that are in the public domain. A copyright attorney can help you obtain permission.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
