Help Please!! My store has been suspended!

[SwallowDigitalArt]

Hello. I have a store that sells digital art for 5 months. I became a Star Seller after 4 months. I received an email stating that I violated the rules. I reviewed all my listings. However, I did not violate the rules openly. First my Star Seller Badge was taken away and now my store is suspended. Was all this effort in vain? This was my only source of income. I would like to ask the Etsy team to review my store. If I really violated the rules without knowing it, I would like to know why.

SwallowDigitalArt

[CatsWhiskersCurios]

Other sellers can't do anything to help - you will need to file an appeal: https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-gb/articles/6298920789271-How-to-File-an-Appeal-for-a-Permanently-Suspen...

[DigTheDesign]

I can’t look at the things in your shop but I did see the items in your shop heading. The fruit prints are available on Temu.

If the prints are yours you need to evidence that to Etsy and go through DMCA process to get TEMU to take them down - along with anything else you make.

If you are buying from TEMU and reselling then that isn’t allowed on Etsy and would be a reason for shop suspension. 

[SwallowDigitalArt]

I researched and my designs were stolen. They are sold on TEMU. Malicious people stole my designs. How can I solve this problem? Can you please help?

[CoquetteBath]

No it looks like your shop has been totally removed, not merely suspended.

You were doing digital art, right? Did you personally draw each & every image offered? Part of the deal to do digital is that requirement.

Give the wide variety of images in your shop header (which is the only thing I can see), Etsy may have concluded that you didn't. They are really ramping up enforcement of their rules, so if you did...you should send Etsy evidence that you are the original artist. If you aren't...then I have no suggestions for you other than to never rely on a single source of income.

[SwallowDigitalArt]

I was making my designs with the help of artificial intelligence. But I was adding some of my own things to them and I stated this in the description. Many designs are made with artificial intelligence. Is there a problem with this?

[CoquetteBath]

I didn't see anywhere (of course) where you mention using AI.

the issue with AI is that you don't own the image it creates (in that those images cannot be copyrighted). Now, I don't think you're in the US, but that's the US Copyright office stance (and I'm aware that a lot of countries both support and don't this viewpoint).

but, the main issue is...AI learns by reviewing other images...that are IP. So this is IP theft by derivation (in my opinion). And the reason why the US Copyright office won't declare ownership of AI derived work is that the inputting prompts etc is not seen as artistic or sufficiently 'human' to warrant.

I know Etsy allows AI work to be sold here. I personally will not buy it. But, the bottom line is what they think. So I would get with Etsy, using the link already provided.

for me, the idea of art is to support an artist.

[FabioMcMustache · Accepted solution]

Hello! We're sorry to hear you're experiencing issues with your shop. We've forwarded your concerns to a specialist team, and your case is being worked on as we speak - Moving forward, they will handle it directly with you, so please stay tuned to your email as they may reach out through there. Thank you! 

Please know we handle support inquiries privately per our Community Policy – we’re closing this thread, so you can get the support you need from us directly.