Using Dreamworks on Etsy: Trademark Guide for Sellers

High Risk

Last updated: January 15, 2025

DreamWorks Animation, owned by NBCUniversal, protects trademarks on its film titles and character names including Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and How to Train Your Dragon. Enforcement is active across online marketplaces.

What You Can Do

  • Sell authentic licensed or vintage Dreamworks merchandise you have purchased
  • Reference Dreamworks in tags for genuinely compatible or related accessories
  • Create original artwork that does not copy any protected imagery or logos
  • Describe handmade items with generic genre terms rather than the franchise name

What You Cannot Do

  • Use Dreamworks names, logos, or character imagery on unlicensed products
  • Sell fan art that reproduces specific Dreamworks characters, scenes, or logos
  • Include Dreamworks in listing titles or tags for items that are not officially licensed
  • Claim or imply affiliation with the Dreamworks franchise or its rights holders

Safe Alternatives

  • Create original fantasy, sci-fi, or genre artwork that does not reference the franchise
  • Use descriptive themes (e.g., "wizard school", "space opera") instead of franchise names
  • Design original characters or worlds inspired by the genre, not by Dreamworks specifically

Check your listings for Dreamworks trademark issues

Scan your listings for policy violations, trademark risks, and compliance issues before they become takedowns.

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Scan your listings for policy violations, trademark risks, and compliance issues before they become takedowns.