It seems so innocent: a bead in the shape a cute Disney figure or with a print from Superman, for example. Yet it is not allowed to sell beads of figures with copyright. This not only applies to big names such as Disney, Marvel or the Avengers, but also to copies of unique designs from other sellers.
What is copyright anyway?
Copyright (or copyright) protects the creative work of makers. That means that someone who has made a unique figure, print or design has the right to determine who can use and sell that design. This applies to cartoon characters, logos, but also to specially designed beads and accessories.
Copyright (or copyright) protects the creative work of makers. That means that someone who has made a unique figure, print or design has the right to determine who can use and sell that design. This applies to cartoon characters, logos, but also to specially designed beads and accessories.
Which beads are you not allowed to sell?
Beads with well -known figures such as Mickey Mouse, Stitch, Elsa, Spiderman, Miffy or the Minions may not be sold just like that, unless you have official permission for that (and that is almost never the case for small entrepreneurs). But also designs of other bead makers are protected. Do you see a special design at another store or on social media? Then you should not just copy that or resell it.
Beads with well -known figures such as Mickey Mouse, Stitch, Elsa, Spiderman, Miffy or the Minions may not be sold just like that, unless you have official permission for that (and that is almost never the case for small entrepreneurs). But also designs of other bead makers are protected. Do you see a special design at another store or on social media? Then you should not just copy that or resell it.
Why is this important?
If you still sell beads that are copyright on rest, you can get a warning or even a big fine. Big brands and designers actively protect their work, and the risk is simply not worth it. That is why I like to make my own unique designs. That is also much more fun!
If you still sell beads that are copyright on rest, you can get a warning or even a big fine. Big brands and designers actively protect their work, and the risk is simply not worth it. That is why I like to make my own unique designs. That is also much more fun!
It is not always clear ...
It is not always clear what is and what is not allowed in the field of copyright. I, too, have sometimes been in: I once bought very nice SUV beads, which in retrospect looked too much like a famous jeep due to the characteristic stripes in the "grille". Sometimes figures are copied from films that I don't even know, or turns out to have been copied from other makers without knowing it.
Precisely because I like to stay close to myself and offer unique designs, I try to look at other bead sellers as little as possible. Then I know for sure that I will not unknowingly imitate someone else.
Sometimes I consciously choose to buy original beads from other designers. Consider, for example, the flower pots (yes, that is really a protected design - and you can only buy the original within the Netherlands and Belgium) and the beads of Cara & Co. They may be more expensive to buy in than the many copies that roam around, but I think it is important to be honest. I would not like it myself if my own designs were copied and sold everywhere!
What is allowed?
If you buy your own designs from the designer (or an official reseller) you can use it naturally in, for example, pacifier cords that you make and sell. For that I make all those nice designs right! And luckily there are more than enough beads and designs on which no copyright is on, or which are specially designed to be allowed to use freely. By using these beads you know for sure that you are in the right place and you can safely sell your creations.
Sometimes I consciously choose to buy original beads from other designers. Consider, for example, the flower pots (yes, that is really a protected design - and you can only buy the original within the Netherlands and Belgium) and the beads of Cara & Co. They may be more expensive to buy in than the many copies that roam around, but I think it is important to be honest. I would not like it myself if my own designs were copied and sold everywhere!
What is allowed?
If you buy your own designs from the designer (or an official reseller) you can use it naturally in, for example, pacifier cords that you make and sell. For that I make all those nice designs right! And luckily there are more than enough beads and designs on which no copyright is on, or which are specially designed to be allowed to use freely. By using these beads you know for sure that you are in the right place and you can safely sell your creations.
Do you have questions about which beads you can or cannot sell? Feel free to send a message - I will be happy to help you further!
