Why Takedowns Aren’t Enough: What the Zazzle Case Tells Us About Print-on-Demand Liability

In 2019, legal scholar Eric Goldman wrote a piece titled “More Evidence That Print-on-Demand Vendors May Be Doomed”, highlighting a court ruling that shook the print-on-demand world.

The article discussed the Greg Young Publishing v. Zazzle case, where Zazzle was found liable for copyright infringement — even though it took down the infringing material once notified. The court’s reasoning? Zazzle had already printed the infringing designs, and takedowns after the fact weren’t good enough to avoid responsibility.

This ruling didn’t just impact Zazzle. It set a precedent that affects every print-on-demand platform operating at scale: you can’t rely on reactive moderation anymore.

That’s exactly the gap Infringio was created to fill.

1. The Risk That Caught Zazzle Off Guard

Zazzle’s model — like most print-on-demand platforms — allowed users to upload artwork, which was then printed and shipped automatically. It had a takedown system in place, but by the time infringing content was flagged, the damage was done.

As Goldman pointed out, the court decided Zazzle had a duty to prevent infringement before the printing process began. That changes the rules for everyone in the space.

2. Why Reactive Takedowns Aren’t Enough Anymore

Even with the best intentions, post-print takedowns:

• Don’t stop the initial act of infringement
• Still result in distribution of unauthorised goods
• Leave platforms open to legal action
• Often come too late for rights holders

The takeaway? Platforms are expected to stop infringing content before it hits production.

3. Infringio: A Purpose-Built Fix for This Problem

Infringio was developed specifically to address this legal and operational blind spot.

It allows print-on-demand companies to:

• Automatically scan user-uploaded designs for unauthorised use of logos, trademarks, copyrighted imagery, and more
• Block or flag content before it goes to print, based on each client’s rules
• Access a pre-built and constantly updated IP library (100,000+ brands and growing)
• Add their own protected content to catch even niche or internal assets
• Integrate quickly with low-code or no-code setup

No legal team wants to chase lawsuits. No trust & safety team wants to manually review every upload. And now, they don’t have to.

4. Takedown Culture Is Out. Pre-Print Detection Is In.

The Zazzle case, is a clear sign of where courts — and rights holders — are drawing the line.

Print platforms can no longer afford to be passive.

Infringio provides a real, scalable answer to a problem that’s no longer theoretical. It helps platforms stay ahead of infringement, reduce legal exposure, and build trust with the brands and creators they rely on.

Ready to See How It Works?

Book a demo today and see how Infringio can help you detect problems before they print.

Disclaimer: Not Legal Advice

This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. The information reflects our understanding as of the date of publication and may not apply to every situation or jurisdiction. You should consult qualified legal counsel for advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk. Neither VISUA nor its affiliates accept liability for any losses or damages arising from the use of this information.