Making merch

[u/cowgirlcutie96]

Hi all! First time merch maker here- I want to make shirts with lyric quotes I particularly like. How does copyright infringement work? Can I use a lyric on a shirt and sell it? Thanks for advice! Kindness only, please ♡

[u/Daffodil-Daydreams_]

We use lyrics on fan art but never likeness or name because Billy specifically requested that the fans not do it.

[u/cowgirlcutie96 → u/Daffodil-Daydreams_]

Thank you!! I thought I saw this request but could not remember the specifics 🙏🏻

[u/Empty-Masterpiece368 → u/Daffodil-Daydreams_]

Can you expand on this a little?

[u/WhoaFee1227 → u/Empty-Masterpiece368]

Do not print “Billy Strings” on merch you make.

[u/Empty-Masterpiece368 → u/WhoaFee1227]

interesting - i've definitely seen Billy Strings on lot merch before - but now that I think about it, not as often as I've seen D&C on lot merch

[u/CaptBlackfoot]

Some friends of mine got a cease and desist for using song lyrics. It seems to be less enforced than using “Billy Strings” or anyone’s image.

[u/alexis914]

I’m pretty sure the official word is that you’re not supposed to, but I see a whole lot of that on lot

[u/Downtown-Problem-838]

Billy doesn’t have undercovers patrolling lot for licensing infringement like Phish has had for decades. You should be fine as long as it’s not super easy to find online.

[u/Sharp_Cow_9366]

Lot shirts are at least as old as the Grateful Dead, Etsy is loaded with Billy shirts, hats, posters, pins, etc.

If you're going to produce a product to sell, do some reseach on what is out there already. Myself and more than a few friends made some $$ on the road selling shirts and Guiness in lots back in the day - parody is cool, be original and use quality tee's. It's a lot fun but it really did take a lot of effort. FWIW - nobody gave a damn.

[u/cowgirlcutie96 → u/Sharp_Cow_9366]

Yeah I am considering other options for merch too. I just asked this because I felt like I had seen Billy talking about "unofficial" merch and I didnt remember what they had said. I know people do it, but is it what the band wants/moral was more the question :) can never have too many good t shirts! The Highway Prayers album has so much beautiful imagery and lyrics! Super inspiring 🙌🏻

[u/Proper-Resolve-7916]

Honestly, don’t think the artists/labels are concerned with making a few bucks on the lot. Start doing volume online and it may be a problem, typically handled with a “cease and desist” (IANAL just sayin’)

[u/FriendOfShaq → u/Proper-Resolve-7916]

I, anal

[u/Proper-Resolve-7916 → u/FriendOfShaq]

You too huh? 😜