Etsy sellers need to be mindful of copyright laws when listing items for sale.
Copyright Strikes and Consequences
Etsy has a stringent approach to copyright infringement, which is demonstrated by their "3 Strikes" policy. A single copyright strike can result in immediate shop closure, with repeated violations leading to a permanent account removal. Etsy issues strikes for unlicensed use of copyrighted images or characters.
Upon receiving a copyright infringement notice, Etsy will:
- Remove the infringing listings from your shop.
- Possibly require you to complete Copyright Education.
Etsy may also accept a counter notice under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) if you believe that you have not infringed on intellectual property.
Dealing with Infringement Notices
First Notice and Actions
If you receive a copyright infringement notice on Etsy, it is a serious matter.
Counter Notice
In accordance with the DMCA, Etsy will accept a counter notice from you if you believe you are not infringing on intellectual property.
Reporting Infringement
If you discover unauthorized use of copyrighted material on Etsy, you can file a DMCA report to have the content removed.
Legal Advice
It is recommended to seek legal advice if there is any uncertainty about intellectual property rules as Etsy does not actively check each listing for copyright infringement. However, they take violations very seriously and will enforce their policies to protect creators’ rights.