When we make designs together, you own the designs. When you send us artwork to put on a product, we need a few things from you to use it. This article walks through both sides in plain English. The binding language is in our terms.
#Designs we create with you
When our design team creates artwork for your account — logos rendered for embroidery, repeat patterns, layouts laid out to a product's print area, production-ready files — that work product is yours. The terms call this Design Output, and it includes the mockups, concepts, and final production files we produce in line with your instructions.
You can use Design Output for anything, including production with other manufacturers. We retain ownership of the underlying tools, templates, and methodologies we used to make it — the things we bring to every customer — but not the output itself.
#Artwork you supply
When you send us a logo, image, font, or any other asset to put on a product, you are confirming you have the right to use it. The terms include a representation and warranty from you that your brand assets and design instructions don't infringe anyone's intellectual property and that you've obtained any third-party licenses required.
A few examples of where third-party rights commonly come up:
- Fonts — many fonts require a commercial license for production use
- Stock imagery — licenses vary; some don't cover apparel or merchandise
- Sports leagues, universities, characters — almost always require a license
- Celebrity or public-figure names and likenesses — separate rights of publicity apply
- Other brands' logos or marks — even on a "co-branded" piece, you need permission from the other side
If you're not sure whether something is cleared, talk to your account team before submitting. They'll route borderline assets to the design team for a quick review.
#Mockups and proofs
Mockups and proofs are part of Design Output — they belong to you. We share them for your review and approval, and once you approve, the design moves into production. Approval is the green light: production begins from the approved file.
If something is off in a proof, flag it before approving. Changes after approval can carry re-decoration or re-pick fees depending on where the order is in production.
#Campaign content
Anything you put into a campaign — the messaging on the redemption page, the imagery on the invite, the branding on the gift link — needs to comply with applicable law and not infringe third-party rights. Campaigns are presented under your brand, and the terms put the responsibility for that content on you, with an indemnity for claims that arise from it.
#What to do if you're not sure
The shortcut for any borderline asset: ask your account team before sending it in. A two-minute check up front saves an awkward conversation after a piece is already on a product.
See the terms for the binding language on IP, design output, brand-asset warranties, and campaign content. If your account has a custom agreement, the IP language in that document governs instead of the standard terms — see your master service agreement.