Copyright Policy
Protecting intellectual property rights in our Print On Demand marketplace
Copyright Overview
Ettee operates as a Print On Demand platform serving customers in the United States and European Union markets. We are committed to respecting intellectual property rights and maintaining compliance with copyright laws including the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) in the US and the EU Copyright Directive.
Our Commitment
We take copyright infringement seriously and have implemented comprehensive policies and procedures to protect the rights of content creators, brands, and intellectual property owners while supporting legitimate creative expression in our marketplace.
What We Protect
- Original Artwork: Creative designs, illustrations, and graphic works
- Brand Logos & Trademarks: Company logos, brand marks, and trademarked designs
- Licensed Characters: Cartoon characters, movie characters, and fictional entities
- Copyrighted Text: Book quotes, song lyrics, and written content
- Photography: Professional photos and personal images
- Digital Assets: Fonts, patterns, and design elements
DMCA Compliance Policy
In accordance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998 (DMCA), Ettee has implemented procedures for receiving written notification of claimed copyright infringement and for processing such claims in accordance with the DMCA.
Important Notice
Filing a false DMCA claim is perjury and may result in legal consequences. Only file a claim if you are the copyright owner or authorized to act on behalf of the owner.
DMCA Takedown Process
Step 1: Notice Submission
Copyright owners must submit a written notice containing all required DMCA elements.
Step 2: Review & Verification
Our legal team reviews the notice for completeness and validity within 24-48 hours.
Step 3: Content Removal
Valid claims result in immediate removal of infringing content and seller notification.
Step 4: Counter-Notice Period
Sellers have 10-14 business days to file a counter-notice if they believe the claim is invalid.
Required Information for DMCA Notice
- Physical or electronic signature of copyright owner or authorized agent
- Identification of the copyrighted work claimed to be infringed
- Identification of the infringing material and its location on our platform
- Contact information including address, phone number, and email
- Statement of good faith belief that use is not authorized
- Statement of accuracy and authority to act on behalf of copyright owner
How to Report Copyright Infringement
Fast Track Reporting
For immediate assistance with copyright violations, use our priority channels below. We typically respond within 24 hours for valid claims.
Reporting Methods
Email Submission (Recommended):
Send detailed reports to: [email protected]
Include “DMCA Takedown Request” in the subject line
Business Inquiries:
For complex IP issues: [email protected]
Include “Copyright Infringement – Priority” in subject
Phone Support:
Call: +1 (909) 684-5966
Monday – Saturday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM EST
Required Documentation
- Clear screenshots or URLs of the infringing products
- Proof of original creation or ownership (creation files, registration certificates)
- Detailed explanation of how your rights are being violated
- Your contact information and legal authorization
- Preferred resolution (removal, licensing, etc.)
Pro Tip for Faster Processing
Include direct links to the infringing products and provide high-quality evidence of your original work. The more specific and detailed your report, the faster we can take action.
DMCA Counter-Notice Process
If you believe your content was removed in error or misidentification, you may file a counter-notice. This is a serious legal procedure with potential consequences, so please consult with legal counsel if needed.
Legal Warning
Filing a counter-notice may result in legal action against you by the original complainant. Only proceed if you have a good faith belief that the material was removed by mistake or misidentification.
Counter-Notice Requirements
- Your physical or electronic signature
- Identification of the removed material and its former location
- Statement under penalty of perjury of good faith belief in error
- Your name, address, and phone number
- Consent to jurisdiction of Federal District Court
- Agreement to accept service of process from the complainant
Timeline: Counter-notices must be filed within 10 business days of content removal. We will forward valid counter-notices to the original complainant, who then has 10-14 business days to file a court action or the content will be restored.
Design Guidelines for Sellers
Create Original Content
The best way to avoid copyright issues is to create 100% original designs or use properly licensed materials. When in doubt, don’t use it.
Acceptable Content
- Original artwork created entirely by you
- Public domain materials (confirm expiration of copyright)
- Properly licensed stock images with commercial rights
- Creative Commons licensed materials (follow attribution requirements)
- Your own photography and illustrations
- Text designs using your original words and phrases
Prohibited Content
- Copyrighted images downloaded from Google Images or Pinterest
- Movie posters, album covers, or promotional materials
- Brand logos, even if modified or combined with other elements
- Licensed character images (Disney, Marvel, anime characters, etc.)
- Sports team logos, university emblems, or organizational marks
- Song lyrics, book quotes, or copyrighted text
- Celebrity photos or paparazzi images
- Artwork copied from other POD platforms or designers
Fair Use Misconception
Many sellers incorrectly believe that modifying copyrighted content or adding text constitutes “fair use.” This is generally not the case for commercial products. Fair use is a complex legal doctrine that rarely applies to print-on-demand merchandise.
Best Practices
Research Before Creating: Use reverse image searches to ensure your inspiration isn’t copyrighted material.
Document Your Process: Keep creation files, sketches, and progress images to prove originality.
Use Legitimate Sources: Purchase stock images from reputable sources like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or Unsplash.
Understand Licensing: Different licenses have different commercial usage rights and attribution requirements.
Copyright Violations & Account Penalties
Zero Tolerance Policy
We maintain a strict policy against copyright infringement. Repeated violations will result in permanent account suspension and potential legal action.
Penalty Structure
First Violation:
• Content removal
• Account warning
• Required copyright education course
• 7-day design upload restriction
Second Violation:
• Content removal
• 30-day account suspension
• Manual review required for future uploads
• Profit withholding during investigation
Third Violation:
• Permanent account termination
• Forfeiture of pending payments
• Permanent ban from platform
• Information shared with other POD platforms
Serious Violations
The following violations may result in immediate account termination:
- Mass upload of copyrighted content
- Selling counterfeit branded merchandise
- Ignoring takedown notices and re-uploading content
- Using multiple accounts to circumvent restrictions
- Threatening or harassing copyright complainants
Account Recovery
Suspended accounts may be restored after successful completion of our copyright compliance program and demonstration of understanding of intellectual property laws.
Copyright Support & Legal Contact
For copyright-related inquiries, DMCA notices, or legal matters, contact our specialized team
