It seems so innocent: a bead in the shape of a cute Disney character or with a print of Superman, for example. However, it is not allowed to sell beads of copyrighted figures. This applies not only to big names like Disney, Marvel or the Avengers, but also to copies of unique designs from other sellers.
What exactly is copyright?
Copyright (or copyright) protects the creative work of creators. This means that someone who has created 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 creators. This means that someone who has created 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 characters such as Mickey Mouse, Stitch, Elsa, Spiderman, Miffy or the Minions may not be sold unless you have official permission to do so (and that is almost never the case for small entrepreneurs). But designs by other bead makers are also protected. Do you see a special design at another store or on social media? Then you cannot simply copy or resell it.
Beads with well-known characters such as Mickey Mouse, Stitch, Elsa, Spiderman, Miffy or the Minions may not be sold unless you have official permission to do so (and that is almost never the case for small entrepreneurs). But designs by other bead makers are also protected. Do you see a special design at another store or on social media? Then you cannot simply copy or resell it.
Why is this important?
If you do sell copyrighted beads, you could receive a warning or even a hefty fine. Major brands and designers actively protect their work, and the risk simply isn't worth it. That's why I like to create my own unique designs. That's also much more fun!
If you do sell copyrighted beads, you could receive a warning or even a hefty fine. Major brands and designers actively protect their work, and the risk simply isn't worth it. That's why I like to create my own unique designs. That's also much more fun!
It's not always clear...
It is not always clear what is and is not allowed in the field of copyright. I too have dabbled in it at times: I once purchased very nice off-road vehicle beads, which in retrospect looked too much like a well-known Jeep due to the characteristic stripes in the 'grille'. Sometimes figures are copied from films that I don't even know, or designs from other makers appear to have been copied without my knowledge.
Precisely because I like to stay close to myself and want to offer unique designs, I try to look as little as possible at other bead sellers. Then I know for sure that I am not unconsciously imitating someone else.
Sometimes I consciously choose to purchase original beads from other designers. Consider, for example, the flower pots (yes, that really is a protected design - and you can only buy the original from me in the Netherlands and Belgium) and the beads from Cara & Co. They may be more expensive to buy than the many copies floating around, but I think it's important to be honest. I wouldn't like it 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 of course use them in, for example, pacifier cords that you make and sell. That's exactly why I make all those nice designs! And fortunately, there are more than enough beads and designs that are not copyrighted, or that have been specially designed for free use. By using these beads you can be sure that you are in the right place and you can sell your creations with peace of mind.
Sometimes I consciously choose to purchase original beads from other designers. Consider, for example, the flower pots (yes, that really is a protected design - and you can only buy the original from me in the Netherlands and Belgium) and the beads from Cara & Co. They may be more expensive to buy than the many copies floating around, but I think it's important to be honest. I wouldn't like it 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 of course use them in, for example, pacifier cords that you make and sell. That's exactly why I make all those nice designs! And fortunately, there are more than enough beads and designs that are not copyrighted, or that have been specially designed for free use. By using these beads you can be sure that you are in the right place and you can sell your creations with peace of mind.
Do you have questions about which beads you can or cannot sell? Feel free to send me a message - I'll be happy to help you!