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As I sit here in my Gryffindor sweatshirt, this post will highlight that I’m a little bit of a nerd. (I guess this was probably obvious because I have been writing about the boring aspects of running a business with you Silhouette or Cricut for over 4 years now!) In any case, let’s get on with this.
Can You Legally Make and Sell Harry Potter Related Products?
No, absolutely not. Everything Harry Potter is well protected with multiple trademarks that are owned by Warner Brothers Entertainment. In fact, it’s difficult to find something related to Harry Potter that isn’t trademarked. Everything from the names of the books and movies, to house names, and the term ‘Muggle’ are trademarked.
Warner Brothers Entertainment Cracking Down
I’m sure that most Cutting for Business readers already knew this. However, I wanted to offer a little caution in today’s post. Warner Brothers Entertainment has been actively seeking out crafters in the last few months on trademark infringements. A kind blog reader has allowed me to use her Etsy Notice of Infringement letter as a caution to others. All identifying information has been removed.
Trust me, you don’t want to receive one of these or put your craft business on the line. I highly advise you to remove any listings related to Harry Potter today.
Help spread the word: Save the image below to Pinterest.
Since 2015, Christine Schinagl has been helping crafters start and run craft businesses through her blog, Cutting for Business. As a Silhouette and Cricut crafter herself, she has a unique take on what works and what doesn’t work in the craft business world. She also enjoys teaching other crafters how to create digital SVG designs, available through the Design with Me series.
Iduwari
Monday 24th of July 2023
Does that mean I can't make and sell Harry Potter themed candies as a small business?
Christine Schinagl, Cutting for Business
Wednesday 26th of July 2023
Do you have a license?
Ruth Cowley
Thursday 15th of June 2023
I have not been crafting for long but I pyrography and have made some coasters with Harry Potter House names on plus whinie phoo etc can I get into trouble for copying these pictures.
Christine Schinagl, Cutting for Business
Thursday 7th of September 2023
Yes, Harry Potter properties are trademarked.
L
Thursday 11th of November 2021
Yea, my shop was also targeted. But I was confused because when I looked there are TONS of Harry Potter related things people are selling on Etsy. I just don't get how some can sell it and others cannot.
Christine, Cutting for Business
Thursday 11th of November 2021
Maybe the shops that are not shut down have a license to sell Harry Potter products.
JoBeeT
Sunday 7th of November 2021
I agree with everyone above! I received a similar email for having a HP handmade greeting card for $12. Seriously, the small companies are being attacked while I see other companies on Etsy making a whole lot more money than I could ever make. I wish I had seen this article before I was accused of doing "such a bad thing" to such a large company. I do feel a little better that I am not the only one (sorry for you guys as well). Seems like Warner Brothers could do better things with their money and time, like help the homeless or feed the hungry, rather than spending it on hurting small businesses because we sell minimally priced items.
Sara
Thursday 15th of September 2022
@Christine, Cutting for Business, Well said Christine. Small business is not above the law, and are very quick to scream when someone copy's their work I find.
Christine, Cutting for Business
Thursday 11th of November 2021
Honestly, Warner Brothers has no responsibility to help the homeless or feed the hungry. You used their intellectual property without permission and got caught. Consider getting a license if you want to continue selling HP products.
Am
Thursday 30th of May 2019
I wish I would have read this article before I received the exact same email today. I haven’t made a single sale of any HP items, thankfully. My question is, as long as I don’t list anything else HP related, am I ok or will this go beyond an email notice?
Christine, Cutting for Business
Wednesday 3rd of July 2019
It is likely that if you don't relist the item, you won't hear from them again. Unfortunately, I cannot guarantee that though.