1. Customer Artwork and Design Submissions

1.1 Ownership and Rights

By submitting artwork, designs, logos, text, or other content ("Materials") to The Shirt Shop, Etc. for printing, you represent and warrant that:

You own all rights to the Materials, including copyright and trademark rights; OR
You have obtained proper authorization, licenses, or permissions from the rightful owner(s) to reproduce, print, and use the Materials; AND
The Materials do not infringe upon the intellectual property rights of any third party.

1.2 Limited License Grant

When you submit Materials to us, you grant The Shirt Shop, Etc. a limited, non-exclusive license to reproduce, modify (as necessary for printing purposes), and print the Materials solely for the purpose of fulfilling your order. This license includes the right to create digital proofs and production files necessary to complete your order.

1.3 Prohibited Content

We reserve the right to refuse printing any Materials that:

Infringe upon the intellectual property rights of third parties
Contain unauthorized use of copyrighted characters, logos, or trademarks
Violate any applicable laws or regulations
Contain content that is defamatory, obscene, or otherwise objectionable

2. Copyright Considerations

2.1 Understanding Copyright Protection

Copyright protection extends to original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression, including but not limited to:

Artistic works, illustrations, and graphics
Photographs and images
Literary works and text
Musical compositions and sound recordings

Copyright protection is automatic upon creation of the work and generally lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years. Using copyrighted materials without permission may constitute copyright infringement.

2.2 Fair Use Limitations

The "fair use" doctrine permits limited use of copyrighted materials without permission for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. However, fair use is a limited exception that typically does not extend to commercial reproduction of copyrighted works on merchandise or apparel.

2.3 Public Domain

Works in the public domain are no longer protected by copyright and may be freely used without permission. Works may enter the public domain when:

Copyright protection has expired
The copyright owner has explicitly placed the work in the public domain
The work was created by the U.S. federal government

If you are uncertain whether a work is in the public domain, we recommend obtaining legal advice before submission.

3. Trademark Considerations

3.1 Understanding Trademark Protection

Trademarks protect words, phrases, symbols, designs, or combinations thereof that identify and distinguish the source of goods or services. This includes:

Company names and logos
Product names and slogans
Distinctive packaging or design elements

Unauthorized use of trademarks on custom printed products may constitute trademark infringement, particularly when such use might cause consumer confusion about the source or sponsorship of the products.

3.2 Sports Teams, Universities, and Organizations

Logos, names, and insignia of sports teams, universities, and organizations are typically protected by trademark law. Printing these marks without proper licensing agreements is generally not permitted, even for personal use. This includes:

Professional and collegiate sports team logos and names
University and college names, mascots, and emblems
Fraternity and sorority Greek letters and crests

3.3 Corporate and Brand Logos

Corporate logos, brand names, and slogans are protected by trademark law. We cannot print these without proper authorization, which typically requires:

Written permission from the trademark owner
Proof of licensing agreement
For corporate clients, verification that you represent the company that owns the trademark

4. Our Design Services and Intellectual Property

4.1 Custom Designs Created by The Shirt Shop, Etc.

When we create custom designs for you based on your concepts or ideas:

You will own the rights to the final design upon full payment for design services
We retain the right to display the design in our portfolio, unless otherwise agreed in writing
We may retain certain elements of the design that are standard, non-custom components

4.2 Our Stock Designs and Templates

The Shirt Shop, Etc. offers stock designs and templates that customers may use for their orders. These designs:

Remain the intellectual property of The Shirt Shop, Etc.
Are licensed to customers solely for use on products ordered through our services
May not be reproduced, distributed, or used for any other purpose without our express written permission

4.3 Design Modifications

When we modify customer-submitted designs for printing purposes:

Technical modifications made solely to optimize printing do not transfer copyright to us
Substantial creative contributions may result in a jointly owned work
The specific ownership rights will depend on the nature and extent of our contributions

5. Infringement Claims and Liability

5.1 Customer Indemnification

By submitting Materials for printing, you agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless The Shirt Shop, Etc., its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from:

Any actual or alleged infringement of third-party intellectual property rights
Any breach of your representations and warranties regarding ownership or rights to the Materials
Any violation of applicable laws or regulations

5.2 Reporting Potential Infringement

If you believe that materials printed by The Shirt Shop, Etc. infringe your intellectual property rights, please contact us with the following information:

Identification of the intellectual property you believe has been infringed
Identification of the allegedly infringing material
Your contact information
A statement that you have a good faith belief that the use is not authorized
A statement, under penalty of perjury, that the information provided is accurate and that you are authorized to act on behalf of the owner of the intellectual property

Please send this information to: aleenabender@shirtshopetc.com

6. Best Practices for Customers

6.1 Obtaining Proper Permissions

Before submitting artwork for printing, we recommend:

Obtaining written permission from copyright or trademark owners
Purchasing proper licenses for stock images or fonts
Keeping records of all permissions, licenses, and releases
Consulting with a legal professional if you are uncertain about your rights

6.2 Creating Original Designs

To avoid intellectual property issues, consider:

Creating completely original artwork
Working with our design team to develop custom graphics
Using public domain materials or properly licensed stock elements

6.3 Documentation

When submitting designs that might raise intellectual property questions, please be prepared to provide:

Proof of ownership or license
Written permission from rights holders
Documentation of public domain status

7. Contact Information

If you have questions about our intellectual property policy or need guidance regarding a specific design, please contact us:

Email: aleenabender@shirtshopetc.com
Phone: (302) 715-5634
Address: The Shirt Shop, Etc., 12532 Taylor Mill Rd, Laurel, DE, 19956-2716, United States

Copyright and Intellectual Property Rights