This section of the forum is for discussing the business and finance issues of the t-shirt industry. Which business structure to use (sole proprietor, LLC, S Corp, etc), how to handle billing, where to register your business and get the proper licensing, etc.
I have an idea for a t-shirt business, however, it is using material that I would need to get permission to use, images, photos, posters, etc that are trademarked, copyrighted, etc. (not sure of the correct terminology). Does anyone know how I would go about acquiring the rights to use images of these types? I want to do my business legally and ethically. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Re: How to get started with my t-shirt business idea.
Quote:
Originally Posted by gigsteward
Hello Everyone,
I have an idea for a t-shirt business, however, it is using material that I would need to get permission to use, images, photos, posters, etc that are trademarked, copyrighted, etc. (not sure of the correct terminology). Does anyone know how I would go about acquiring the rights to use images of these types? I want to do my business legally and ethically. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Since we don't know the source, we really can't direct you on who to contact.
Best advice is to just find the source and ask permission. Get phone numbers, email addresses, etc. The legal department is a pretty good place to start.
Re: How to get started with my t-shirt business idea.
Quote:
Originally Posted by gigsteward
Hello Everyone,
I have an idea for a t-shirt business, however, it is using material that I would need to get permission to use, images, photos, posters, etc that are trademarked, copyrighted, etc. (not sure of the correct terminology). Does anyone know how I would go about acquiring the rights to use images of these types? I want to do my business legally and ethically. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
The basic area of business you are looking into is a licensing agreement between you and the person holding the copyright. You can wind up paying a lot for a license (the NFL for example, or any rock star living or dead), and the legal complexities and investment can be huge. Far better to develop your own line that you own, be creative, funny, serious, but find a niche that is yours. Printing designs that someone else holds a copyright on can jeopardize your business as well as anything you own. Also if you are seeking income via screen printing be aware that some areas pay much more than t-shirts, industrial printing on small components, nameplate, trophy fronts, signage, or industrial enamels can all be done with a simple jig and one screen and require no equipment other than a tight screen and a drying area to dry by air.
How to get started with my t-shirt business idea. 
