Taylor Swift Legal Worries? Etsy Crafters Shake It Off

(Swift, performing during her 2013 “Red” tour)

Since the dawn of rock ‘n roll, music fans have crafted their own handmade shirts, signs, and other memorabilia in honor of their favorite acts.

Andy Warhol himself personally created what would become the Rolling Stones’ iconic emblem and Van Halen singer David Lee Roth has been very open about his DIY approach to concert posters, t-shirts and other rock memorabilia over the years. And that’s to say nothing of the millions of fans who everyday privately design their own tokens of affection to every pop star under the sun.

(A “Shake It Off” sports bra/Etsy)

Of course, as with most things, the Internet changed everything. With the advent of sites like Etsy, the amateur makers of the world have suddenly become professional, independent retailers. Beyoncé made headlines last week, sending her lawyers after one Etsy designer who made a coffee mug with a Beyoncé pun (Feyoncé).

Related on Yahoo Makers: Beyoncé Annuls “Feyoncé” Mug Maker’s Etsy Store

And now Taylor Swift is in the news with her legal team trying to trademark five phrases from her “1989” album:

• Party like it’s 1989”

• “This sick beat”

• “Cause we never go out of style”

• “Could show you incredible things”

• “Nice to meet you, where you been?”

But as Fusion is quick to note, that hasn’t stopped the legion of Swift’s fans from continuing to sell their homemade merchandise on Etsy.

(Want a $90 Taylor Swift painting? You can find it on Etsy)

Honestly, you can type in the name for just about any celebrity on Etsy and come up with a wide array of unofficial, unlicensed products bearing a celebrities face or other iconic imagery.

Related on Yahoo Makers:  Taylor Swift Gets Crafty With Her Fans

It all raises the question of where the line is drawn between sincere fan appreciation and commercial exploitation. Go to any comic book convention and you’ll find a long line of artists trying to make a buck off our collective love of Star Wars and Marvel. Still, it doesn’t mean those artists aren’t themselves genuine fans wanting to share a little joy with their fellow enthusiasts. Likewise, many of the offerings on Etsy and similar sites are creative, original and unlikely to compete with the officially licensed products offered by their inspirational sources.

(Etsy)

While that debate unfolds, it looks like Swift’s fans will just shake it off, light their Beyoncé prayer candles, and keep doing their thing. Besides, she’s already gone out of her way to show that she’s not only a fan of homemade, crafty gifts, she actually makes them herself.

(Holier than thou? The Beyonce prayer candle/Etsy)

Also on Yahoo Makers: 

·       Now That’s An Upcycle! Estate Sale Find Sells for $5.2 Million

·       Another Palace’s Modern Makeover Inspired Duchess Kate

·       Behold! One Starbucks Cup to Rule Them All

Let Yahoo Makers inspire you every day! Join us on Facebook,Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.