Is ByHand's record legal proof that I own a design?

No, and it says so. It's a dated record of what was shown to our reviewer and when, which is the kind of evidence platforms and lawyers ask for.

For makers · checked October 2026

What to do when someone copies your handmade work

Finding your own work for sale under someone else's name is horrible. Here's what to do, in order, and how to make the next report easier.

1. Gather the evidence

Screenshots of the copy, with the date and address showing.
Your original: the first time you posted it, with dates. Old social posts, photos with their original files, sketches and receipts for materials all help.
On ByHand, download your record from your shop dashboard: a dated PDF of when your shop went live and the making photos our reviewer saw.

2. Report it where it's sold

Every big platform has an intellectual property report form, and most want the address of the copy, the address of your original, and a statement that you own it. On ByHand, report the shop and choose "Copies someone else's work", with a link to your original: a reviewer looks at it, and a shop that copies is taken down.

3. Make the next one easier

Keep your working photos and sketches, with their dates.
Post work in progress: it's both good content and a dated record.
Add a small, tasteful watermark to product photos you post on social media.

Questions

Is ByHand's record legal proof that I own a design?: No, and it says so. It's a dated record of what was shown to our reviewer and when, which is the kind of evidence platforms and lawyers ask for.