Copyright, Moral Rights & Licensing - A Guide

Important Disclaimer

This information is provided as a general guide only. It does not constitute legal advice. Laws and requirements around copyright, licensing, and moral rights may vary by jurisdiction and situation. We recommend that all users — especially those licensing, selling, or printing designs — seek their own independent legal advice before proceeding.

Copyright, Moral Rights & Licensing

A Guide for Customers, Artists and Anyone Using Creative Work

We’re committed to protecting the rights of artists and educating our community on the respectful and legal use of creative work. Whether you’re an artist, a buyer, a reseller, or someone submitting artwork for print, this guide outlines what you need to know about copyright, licensing, moral rights and how to avoid costly mistakes.

General Overview: What Is Copyright?

Copyright is a legal right automatically granted to creators the moment they make an original work — no registration is required. It protects how an idea is expressed, not just the idea itself.

In the context of design, copyright protects:

  • Original patterns, illustrations, surface design, and graphic artwork

  • Specific arrangements of shape, colour, layout and expression

You cannot legally:

  • Copy, trace, modify or imitate existing work unless it's in the public domain or properly licensed

  • Use images found on Pinterest, Etsy, Google or other sites without permission

Moral Rights are separate to copyright and include:

  • The right to be credited as the creator

  • The right to object to misuse or distortion of the work

  • The right to prevent false attribution

Even when you purchase or license a design, these rights usually remain with the original artist.

For Customers Printing Artwork That Is Not Your Own

If you are submitting artwork for printing that was created by someone else, it is your full legal responsibility to ensure:

  • You have written permission or a commercial license to use the design

  • You understand the scope of that license, including where and how you can use the design

  • You are not infringing on anyone else’s copyright or moral rights

We do not check or verify the copyright status of submitted designs and accept no liability for:

  • Unauthorised use of artwork

  • Legal claims made by third parties

  • Customer dissatisfaction due to content disputes

Some important reminders:

  • AI-generated artwork may still infringe on copyrighted material

  • Commercial licenses are usually required for fabric sales or print-on-demand use

  • Royalty-free does not mean free to use without limitations – always read the license agreement

For Artists and Designers Uploading Original Work

If you are an artist using our platform to print your own designs or sell your work, we want you to feel safe, informed and in control.

  1. Your Rights
    You automatically own the copyright to your original work and retain your moral rights unless you have waived them in writing. We do not require artists to assign copyright to us for printing.

  2. Licensing Your Work
    You may choose to license your work in a way that suits you. This could include:

  • Non-exclusive licenses (others can use the design too)

  • Exclusive licenses (only one buyer can use it)

  • Licensing for specific time periods, product categories, or regions

Always clearly define:

  • Who is allowed to use your work

  • What it can be used for

  • Whether royalties apply or not

  • Whether credit or acknowledgment is required

  1. Sharing Your Work Safely

  • Use watermarks or preview images when showing work online

  • Keep dated records of your original artwork files

  • Use written agreements or contracts when licensing work to others

  1. If Someone Uses Your Work Without Permission
    If you discover your work being used unlawfully:

  • Take screenshots and record the location of the use

  • Contact the seller or platform to ask for removal

  • You may submit a takedown notice or contact a legal advisor

  • In Australia, you can seek support from the Copyright Agency or Viscopy

Downloadable Resource

We have created a printable version of this guide that includes:

  • A summary of copyright basics

  • Questions to ask before using artwork that is not your own

  • A simple licensing checklist

  • Tips for artists on protecting their work

Download link: [Coming soon – let us know if you would like the PDF version prepared for you]

Final Reminder

When you use our Print-On-Demand services, you accept full responsibility for ensuring the artwork you submit is legally usable. We do not take responsibility for copyright disputes, unauthorised use, or any associated legal or commercial consequences.