Before you print, please read. Creating merchandise with lyrics is not the same as recording a song. Even if you wrote the lyrics, you may not have the legal right to print them on a T-shirt if you have a publishing deal.
To protect you and our platform, we manually review orders. If you cannot prove you hold the necessary Print Rights, we will cancel your order and refund your payment.
The Two Rights You Need
1. Print Rights for Lyrics (Merchandising Rights)
✅ You HAVE these rights if:
You're an independent artist who self-published (no publisher)
Your contract explicitly excludes merchandising/print rights (you kept them)
❌ You DON'T have these rights if:
You signed a standard publishing agreement (publishers usually take print rights)
The song is a cover of someone else's work
How to check: Look in your publishing contract for "Grant of Rights," "Print Rights," or "Merchandising." If your publisher has "exclusive" rights to print or reproduce lyrics, they control merch rights.
How to get permission: Request a "Letter of Direction" from your publisher authorizing us to print specific lyrics.
2. Copyright for Cover Art and Photos
Album artwork and photos are protected by copyright. You need permission from whoever owns the copyright.
✅ You HAVE these rights if:
You created the artwork yourself
Your contract states you own the copyright (not just "usage rights")
You have written permission from the copyright holder
The image is public domain (published before 1924 or CC0 license)
❌ You DON'T have these rights if:
A photographer/designer created it and retained copyright
You only licensed it for "album use"
You found it online without verifying copyright
The photographer said you could use it verbally (you need written permission)
Common mistake: "I paid for it, so I own it" is FALSE. Payment doesn't transfer copyright. Check your contract for "work-for-hire" or "copyright transfer" language.
Another mistake: "It's my face in the photo, so I own it" is FALSE. The photographer owns the copyright, even if you're the subject.
Copyright Basics
Copyright protects:
Photographs, illustrations, graphic designs
Album covers, logos, visual arrangements
Copyright lasts:
Before 1924: Public domain (free to use)
1925-1978: Protected for 95 years
After 1977: Creator's lifetime + 70 years
Fair use rarely applies to merchandise. Giving credit doesn't replace permission. Modifying someone else's work still requires authorization.
Public Domain Images (Free to Use)
If you need artwork and don't have rights, use these resources:
RawPixel: rawpixel.com/category/53/public-domain
Smithsonian Open Access: si.edu/openaccess
Heritage Type: heritagetype.com/pages/free-vintage-illustrations
Museo: museo.app
Our Review Process
1. Order Submission Your order status: "Pending Review"
2. Rights Check We review your artist profile, publishing relationships, and content used
3. Documentation Request (if needed) We may email requesting proof within 5 business days:
For lyrics: Publishing contract showing retained rights, or Letter of Direction
For artwork: Copyright transfer agreement, written permission, or public domain proof
4. Approval or Cancellation
Approved: Order moves to production
Denied: Full refund issued if proof not provided within 5 days
Special Cases
"I'm independent with no publisher. Why verify?" We need confirmation to protect you. Submit this statement once: "I, [Name], am an independent artist with no publishing agreements that transfer print or merchandising rights."
"Can I use fan art?" No. Fan art is derivative work requiring permission from all copyright holders.
"What about AI-generated art?" Our Ideogram integration is pre-cleared. External AI art requires verification of commercial use rights.
"Can I print lyrics from a cover song I recorded?" No. Recording rights differ from print rights, which stay with the original publisher.
"Small portions are okay, right?" No. Copyright protects entire works. Excerpts or modifications require permission.
Trademark Warning
Never use without permission:
Company logos (Nike, Apple, etc.)
Band names you don't own
Celebrity names/likenesses
Sports team logos
Movie/TV characters
Quick Checklist
For Lyrics:
Did I write these lyrics?
Do I have a publishing deal?
If yes, do I have written permission to print?
Is this a cover song? (You cannot print these lyrics)
For Cover Art:
Did I create this, or do I own the copyright?
If not, do I have written permission for merchandise use?
Does it contain copyrighted/trademarked elements?
Is it public domain or commercially licensed?
If you answered "no" or "unsure" to anything, get permission before ordering.
Getting Help
Rights questions: merch@musixmatch.com (Subject: "Rights Verification - [Artist Name]")
Legal advice: We cannot provide this. Consult an entertainment attorney.
Documentation issues: If no response within 5 days, check spam, then email with your order number.
Bottom Line
Rights verification protects YOU from legal disputes. When in doubt, ask before printing. Independent artists with full control have the smoothest experience.
This is not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal questions.
Questions? Contact merch@musixmatch.com