Using Game of Thrones on Etsy: Trademark Guide for Sellers

High Risk

Last updated: January 15, 2025

Game of Thrones, owned by Warner Bros. Discovery/HBO, enforces trademarks on character names, house sigils, and distinctive phrases. Despite the series ending, enforcement remains active due to the franchise's ongoing value.

What You Can Do

  • Sell authentic licensed or vintage Game of Thrones merchandise you have purchased
  • Reference Game of Thrones 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 Game of Thrones names, logos, or character imagery on unlicensed products
  • Sell fan art that reproduces specific Game of Thrones characters, scenes, or logos
  • Include Game of Thrones in listing titles or tags for items that are not officially licensed
  • Claim or imply affiliation with the Game of Thrones 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 Game of Thrones specifically

Check your listings for Game of Thrones 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.