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've had several people offer my quotes and I am interested, however I'm hesitant sending over my artwork to someone that doesn't have a professional looking website. I do not want anybody to steal my designs or artwork. Is there anything I need to do or can do? Has anybody out there had any concerns before? Do I need to worry?
Most reputable printers will never steal a person's artwork - they have other ways of making money and it's just not worth it to loose a paying customer for his art. If you're worried about it though, you can request that he sign an agreement that states that you own all rights to the art. If you're REALLY worried about it, get it copyrighted - at least you'll have a legal document that proves the art existed at a certain date.
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Yes, it does happen, but if the design is any good it will get copied as soon as it is sold.
I'm interested by the assumption that people with nice websites are more honest?
It's natural to be concerned about someone stealing your artwork. But you can't make any money keeping your designs a secret. Eventually you have to release it to the world. There are plenty of threads regarding copyright and trademark registration if you want to explore that route.
There are lots of people who are honest and dishonest. But, the quality of their website won't tell you whether their one kind of person or another.
If you're concerned, have them sign an acknoledgement saying that the work is yours. Better yet, you're providing the work through e-mail right? Just keep records and make sure you have a note at the bottom, like those legal disclaimers, saying that any work provided is solely that of the artist and by opening the file you acknoledge that you have no rights in the work.
sending out artwork (a question of copyright) 
Re: sending out artwork (a question of copyright) 
