A new Disney fandom feud is beginning to unfold as designers of notable small businesses are noticing accounts on Etsy using AI to replicate their original work. A popular independent designer is calling attention to their Disney-inspired illustrated designs being remade with AI and being sold as a new product on Etsy.
This callout also brings to attention just how many AI-generated Disney-inspired designs are now circulating on Etsy, many of which were created without permission from the original designers. This most recent issue sparks a broader conversation among Disney fans and creators about AI, originality, and the larger copyright issues that have always been a part of the conversation surrounding Disney merchandise on Etsy. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including the newest changes Disney is making to a fan favorite cruise ship and the newest Costco Disneyland ticket discount.
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Small Business Owner Calls Out AI-generated Versions of Their Designs
The Lost Bros is a popular, independent theme-park merchandise and lifestyle brand known for creating Disney-inspired apparel. It was founded in 2016 by brothers Cody and Colton Tapolerm with the goal of making “stylish theme-park clothing they would actually want to wear themselves.” Their designs combine Disney and theme-park references with pop culture, humor, and other trending moments.
For example, you can even find Taylor Swift and Disney-inspired designs on their website, including a cardigan called “The Life of a Park Girl.”
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In a recent Instagram post, the creators behind The Lost Bros pointed out an issue regarding two designs that are considered their “most stolen tees ever” and how often they constantly see the AI-generated version around EPCOT.
They posted side-by-side comparisons of their original design, created by sierramayhem, and the AI-generated version so fans can spot the differences in the AI generation.
Many of their fans shared their disappointment in this news, with one commenter sharing, “Truly despise AI. It feels like that’s all anyone is wearing in the parks rn.” Multiple comments agreed they’ve also seen various versions of the AI-generated design in the parks and commented on how “bad they looked.” One commenter shared they’ve even seen an AI-generated version of their designs circulating on SHEIN.
One fan added a voice of encouragement, sharing with the creator, “Isn’t it awesome seeing people steal your ideas and not even coming close to quality? It’s a compliment and reminds you that you are ahead of the competition so they’ll always be in second place.”
There was no shortage of criticism of AI-generated merchandise found on Etsy in the comments.
AI Creating a New Way to Avoid Disney Copyright Concerns
While Disney owns the rights to its characters and intellectual property, independent creators like The Lost Bros can create an original illustration or design that becomes an artistic interpretation of Disney culture. In a case like this, Disney might not pursue copyright infringement if the designs are more about interpretations of Disney culture rather than explicit reproductions of Disney IP like characters, names, and logos that are prohibited for unauthorized commercial use. And that really is what makes the merchandise on The Lost Bros website unique.
But for sellers that create merchandise that is too close to Disney’s original characters or intellectual property without permission, this can begin to create issues. Disney has historically pursued Etsy sellers when it believes its IP is being infringed. In 2020, Etsy sellers saw a record number of Disney trademark complaints resulting in Etsy removing many “Baby Yoda” listings.
Disney does have licensing mechanisms in place for Etsy sellers to pursue to request permission from Disney to make Disney-themed products on Etsy. So Disney does distinguish between authorized merchandise and unauthorized usage, based on who has received permission. Interested creators can submit details about the Disney property they want to use, explain how it would be used, and wait for Disney’s review. However, submitting a request is not a guarantee of permission.
Considering the copyright and trademark issues Etsy sellers have faced over the years with Disney-inspired products, AI may be creating a new way around some of the traditional Disney IP concerns. It is becoming more common now to see AI-generated designs on Etsy as sellers use the tool to create designs that avoid Disney copyright issues. But in this case, we have another ethical twist with sellers using AI to reproduce designs from original creators like The Lost Bros.
Now the issue shifts from potentially copying Disney to potentially copying the people who create Disney-inspired merchandise.
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Unfortunately for illustrators like those at The Lost Bros who create their own unique designs, AI is creating an easier workaround for some Etsy sellers to mass-produce Disney-inspired merchandise. And it’s unfortunately far too easy for sellers to take a shirt created by an original designer and pop it into AI so they can generate their own version to sell.
You can see the full post from The Lost Bros below on Instagram.
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