What are the copyright laws around quotes? Can I take a quote, make it into a poster and sell it on Etsy?

Copyright Laws Around Quotes

Copyright laws protect original works of authorship, including quotes from books, movies, songs, and other creative works. Here's a breakdown of how these laws apply to using quotes:

Key Points

• Protection: Quotes from copyrighted works are protected by law unless they fall under exceptions like public domain or fair use13.
• Public Domain: Works enter the public domain approximately 70 years after the author's death, allowing free use of quotes from these works12.
• Fair Use: Limited use of copyrighted quotes is allowed for purposes like criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research, but this is determined case-by-case35.

Selling Quotes on Etsy

To sell a quote-based poster on Etsy, consider the following:

1. Public Domain Quotes: If the quote is from a work in the public domain (e.g., Shakespeare), you can use it freely12.

2. Copyrighted Quotes: If the quote is still under copyright, you generally need permission from the copyright owner unless your use falls under fair use35.

3. Fair Use: If you're using a copyrighted quote for a purpose that might be considered fair use (e.g., critique or educational purposes), ensure your use is transformative and does not harm the market for the original work35.

4. Obtaining Permission: For commercial use, it's best to obtain explicit permission from the copyright owner3.

5. Attribution: Even with permission or fair use, it's respectful to attribute the quote to its original author1.

Risks and Considerations

• Infringement: Using copyrighted quotes without permission or fair use can lead to copyright infringement claims5.
• Legal Consequences: Penalties can include fines or legal action35.

Best Practices

• Research: Verify the copyright status of the quote.
• Permission: Obtain permission if necessary.
• Fair Use: Ensure your use aligns with fair use guidelines if applicable.
• Attribution: Always attribute the quote to its original author.

By following these guidelines, you can minimize legal risks when creating and selling quote-based products on platforms like Etsy.