How can I prevent copyright claims?

As a platform that supports third-party sellers, Creative Fabrica hosts a wide variety of content from numerous designers. While we thoroughly vet our designers to ensure quality and originality, there may be rare occasions where designs that do not meet our standards slip through the cracks. If the original designer discovers their work being used without authorization, they may submit a claim against your product. We continuously strive to improve our vetting process to minimize such occurrences and ensure a safe and fair marketplace for all our users.

Preventing potential copyright claims involves being proactive and diligent about how you use and manage content. By understanding the risks and taking appropriate measures, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of facing a copyright issue. Here are some steps that you can take to help minimize the risk of receiving a copyright claim:

1. Understand Licensing Terms
   Thoroughly read and understand the licensing agreements for each piece of content you download. Creative Fabrica offers different types of licenses with varying permissions and restrictions.
   
   Subscription License
   Single Sales License
   Spark License
   Stock Photo License
   
   
2. Use Only Licensed Content
   Avoid using websites that might not have proper licensing agreements. Even when elements are available for free online, it is always advisable to use licensed content from reputable sellers or marketplaces.
   
   
3. Avoid the use of Protected Characters, Logos and/or Trademarks
   Adding a trademarked word or other elements to your new design increases the risk of receiving a claim. Therefore, we advise that you check whether the words you intend to use are registered in the geographic area and for the type of products you want to sell. An example of a trademark database you can use for your trademark research is https://tmdn.org/tmview/#/tmview.
   
   If you happen to find a design on Creative Fabrica that contains a registered trademark, please reach out to hi@creativefabrica.com
   
   
4. Comply with External Platform Policies
   When selling products made using Creative Fabrica content on external platforms (e.g. such as Etsy, Redbubble, or Amazon KDP), ensure you are fully compliant with their specific policies and terms of use. Each platform has its own set of rules regarding the use of third-party content, and failing to adhere to these can result in claims or account suspension. Always review and follow the guidelines provided by these platforms to avoid potential legal issues.
   
   Common platforms where our customers sell products include Etsy, Redbubble, and Amazon. Here are links to the policy pages for some popular platforms:
   
   Etsy's Intellectual Property Policy, Etsy Seller Policy and Etsy’s Creativity Standards
   Redbubble
   Merch by Amazon
   Zazzle
   Spreadshirt
   Amazon KDP Content Guidelines
   
   
5. Keep Records of Purchases and Downloads
   Maintain a detailed record of all your purchases and downloads, including receipts, download dates, and licensing agreements. This documentation can be crucial in the unlikely event that you need to defend your use of the content.
   
   Creative Fabrica provides a ‘downloads and license keys’ area in your account where you find a history of the products you downloaded, along with your license keys for this content.
   
   
6. Verify Content Authenticity
   Before using content for commercial purposes, verify its authenticity and origin. Creative Fabrica provides information about the creator and the content's usage rights.
   
   
7. Avoid Modifying Content Beyond License Permissions
   Some licenses may restrict the extent to which you can modify content. Ensure that any modifications you make are within the allowed scope of the license.
   
   
8. Educate Yourself on Copyright Laws
   Familiarize yourself with basic copyright laws and principles. Understanding what constitutes infringement can help you avoid accidental violations.
   
   
9. Use Content ID Tools
   Before publishing content, use tools like TinEye or Google Reverse Image Search to check if similar content already exists and is being used elsewhere. This can help you identify potential issues before they arise.
   
   TinEye
   Google Reverse Image Search

10. Consult Legal Advice for Commercial Projects
    If you're using content for significant commercial projects, consider consulting with a legal expert to ensure that all your content usage is compliant with copyright laws and licensing agreements.
    
    
11. Stay Updated with Creative Fabrica's Policies
    Keep an eye on any updates or changes to Creative Fabrica's licensing policies. They may periodically update their terms, and staying informed will help you remain compliant.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of receiving copyright infringement claims while using content from Creative Fabrica.