Shopify product policy

[Will-B]

Hi, I'm looking for information on any product policy of shopify's relating to fan art.

I've been creating some fan art based off film and TV (just for fun person use at the moment) but now I've got a sizable library of original artwork I can't help but wonder about trying to monetize this hobby, so I've been trying to find out if shopify has any relative policy's that hinder or help such a venture should I wish to pursue it.    Any help would be appreciated, thanks

And as its December 20th merry Christmas to you all 👍

[PageFly-Richard]

Hi,

This is Richard at PageFly - Shopify Advanced Page Builder app.

Shopify's Acceptable Use Policy prohibits the sale of counterfeit goods or goods that infringe on intellectual property rights. This includes unauthorized use of copyrighted material, such as characters or logos from movies, TV shows, or other media.  

While some fan art may fall under fair use, it's crucial to be cautious. Selling fan art can be risky, and there's no guarantee that Shopify won't take action against your store if copyright holders object.

Here are some things to consider:

• Fair Use: Familiarize yourself with the concept of fair use. It allows for limited use of copyrighted material for purposes like criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. However, fair use has limitations, and it's not always easy to determine whether your fan art qualifies.  
• Copyright Holder Policies: Research the copyright holder's specific policies on fan art. Some companies may be more tolerant than others.
• Transformative Use: If your fan art significantly transforms the original work, it may be more likely to be considered fair use.
• Risk Mitigation: Consider selling your fan art on platforms specifically designed for artists, such as Etsy or Society6. These platforms may have more specific policies regarding fan art.

Hoping my solution helps you solve your problem.

Best regards,

Richard | PageFly