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Intellectual Property

Understanding intellectual property rights is crucial for all creators on Panels Store. This guide covers copyright, ownership, and how to protect your work while respecting others' rights.

Your Rights as a Creator​

When you create original comics, you automatically own the copyright to your work. This includes:

  • The story and narrative
  • Original artwork and illustrations
  • Character designs and concepts
  • Dialogue and text

You retain full ownership: Publishing on Panels Store does not transfer copyright to us. Your work remains yours.

What You Can Do​

As the copyright holder, you have the exclusive right to:

  • Sell your comics on Panels Store and other platforms
  • Create derivative works or adaptations
  • License your work to others
  • Control reproduction and distribution
  • Transfer or sell your copyright (if you choose)

Platform License​

By publishing on Panels Store, you grant us a limited license to:

  • Host and distribute your comics to purchasers
  • Display your work in our marketplace (covers, previews, etc.)
  • Process and optimize files for our reader
  • Market your work on the platform

This license ends when you remove your content from Panels Store. Users that purchased your content will still have access to it.

Respecting Others' Rights​

What You Cannot Publish​

You cannot publish content that infringes on others' intellectual property:

Copyrighted Characters: Characters from existing comics, movies, TV shows, books, or games (Marvel, DC, Disney, anime characters, etc.) without explicit permission.

Fan Fiction and Fan Art: Comics based on existing copyrighted properties, even if your interpretation is original.

Traced or Copied Art: Artwork traced from or heavily copied from other artists' work without permission.

Licensed Properties: Any work using licensed characters, worlds, or concepts without proper licensing agreements.

Fan Works

Even if you're creating fan content out of love for a property, you need permission from the copyright holder to sell it commercially. Creating derivative works for profit without permission is copyright infringement.

Protecting Your Work​

Registration​

While copyright is automatic, you can register your work for additional protection:

  • US: Register with the US Copyright Office
  • Other countries: Check your local copyright office

Registration provides additional legal benefits if you need to enforce your rights.

Watermarks and Attribution​

Consider:

  • Adding subtle watermarks to preview images
  • Including copyright notices in your comic (© [Year] [Your Name])
  • Registering important works before publishing

Digital Rights Management (DRM)​

Panels Store does not currently apply DRM to comics. Readers who purchase your work can download the files.

This means: Purchased comics can potentially be shared. However, our terms of service prohibit redistribution, and we take action against accounts that violate this.

Trademark Considerations​

Beyond copyright, be aware of trademark issues:

Brand Names: Don't use established brand names or logos in ways that suggest endorsement or affiliation.

Character Names: Some character names are trademarked even if the copyright has expired.

Logos and Symbols: Company logos, superhero symbols, and similar marks are usually trademarked.

Creative Commons and Open Licenses​

You can publish works under Creative Commons or similar open licenses:

  • Clearly state the license in your comic description
  • You still control distribution through Panels Store
  • Buyers understand they may have broader rights under your chosen license