Podcast Episode 200: Legal Tips to Keep Your Etsy Business Out of Trouble –with Attorney Paige Hulse

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE:  https://youtu.be/u3gSSU15mzo 

About Attorney Paige Hulse:

Paige Hulse,  received her Juris Doctor from The University of Tulsa and is the owner and lead attorney of Paige Hulse Law, PLLC. She is also the founder of The Creative Law Shop®, LLC 123™the Special Forces Support Fund™, and Fairway Stables®.

As a dedicated serial entrepreneur, Paige specializes in delivering legal strategies that empower smart, growth-minded business owners to build enduring companies. After beginning her career as an energy litigator while simultaneously growing her own businesses, she launched her law firm in 2017, serving clients globally with intellectual property counsel. Paige also created the Creative Law Foundry™—the first AI-powered contract generator tailored specifically for creative entrepreneurs.

With over a decade of experience in intellectual property and business law, Paige is a trusted advisor and sought-after speaker in the creative industry. When she’s not advising clients or negotiating deals, she can be found at Fairway Stables®, spending time with her husband, riding horses, and further expanding her businesses.

Connect with Paige at paigehulse.com or on Instagram at @paige.hulse, @paigehulselaw, and @creativelawshop.

EPISODE SUMMARY:  

In this episode of "How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy," I'm thrilled to welcome back Attorney Paige Hulse, an expert in intellectual property and business law. Our conversation is packed with invaluable insights for both new and seasoned Etsy sellers, focusing on the legal aspects of running an Etsy shop and how to protect your creative endeavors.

We kick off the episode by discussing the importance of understanding your business structure. Paige breaks down the differences between being a sole proprietor and forming an LLC, emphasizing the protective benefits of an LLC in separating personal and business liabilities. She shares practical steps for setting up an LLC, including filing with the Secretary of State, obtaining an EIN, opening a business bank account, and creating an operating agreement. This foundational knowledge is crucial for anyone looking to establish a serious business presence on Etsy.

As we dive deeper, we address common legal pitfalls that Etsy sellers often encounter. Paige highlights the frequent mistakes that lead to intellectual property violations, such as using copyrighted phrases or images without permission. We discuss the significance of conducting thorough research before listing products, including utilizing the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database to check for existing trademarks. Paige stresses the importance of avoiding phrases that may seem innocuous but are actually trademarked, like "happy camper," and shares her own experiences with copyright infringement.

In addition to intellectual property concerns, we touch on the evolving landscape of AI and its implications for Etsy sellers. Paige provides insights into the legalities surrounding AI-generated content and the importance of transparency when using AI tools in your listings. We discuss the necessity of disclosing when a product has been created with the help of AI, as required by Etsy, and the potential legal ramifications of not doing so.

Throughout the episode, Paige's expertise shines as she offers practical advice and resources for Etsy sellers to navigate the complex legal landscape. We also discuss the importance of having backup platforms, like Shopify, in case of unexpected issues with Etsy.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to launch, grow, or protect their Etsy shop. Whether you're just starting out or have been selling for a while, Paige's insights will equip you with the knowledge you need to avoid legal troubles and build a successful business. Join us as we empower you to take control of your Etsy journey with confidence!

EPISODE DETAILS 

If “legal talk” (and literally the title of this episode) makes you nervous or feels dry—this is a MUST LISTEN. Attorney Paige Hulse is back with her easy-to-understand approach to law for entrepreneurs, sharing tips to keep your Etsy business—and you—out of trouble. From common legal mistakes and business structure to protecting your creations from copycats, she’s got you covered.

**“How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy” is not affiliated with or endorsed by Etsy.com 

STUFF I MENTIONED: 

➡️Check out ProfitTree’s new product research tool ETSY RADAR: https://lifetime.profittree.io/?via=lizzie87

Get the best profit tracking tool to help you know your numbers AND a product research tool for a one time fee of $67. (completely insane)

✅FREE Etsy Ads Masterclass: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/request-etsy-ads-masterclass 

⭐ FIND PAIGE:

https://paigehulse.com/

@paige.hulse.law

⭐Legal Templates recommended by Paige for your Etsy shop:

🎉Use code smiley10 for 10% off in the Creative Law Shop AND the Foundry

Paige’s LLC Masterclass: https://www.shopcreativelaw.com/shop/llc-masterclass?rq=LLC

LLC 101 Blog Post (free resource): https://www.shopcreativelaw.com/blog/llc-101-creative-business?rq=LLC

LLC Agreements:

Single Person LLC Agreement: https://www.shopcreativelaw.com/shop/the-single-person-llc-operating-agreement

Multi-Member LLC Agreement: https://www.shopcreativelaw.com/shop/multi-member-llc-operating-agreement

The Foundry (AI contract writer--- membership based): https://www.shopcreativelaw.com/foundry

For your Etsy Shop Policies:

Add On Provisions:

-Indemnification: https://www.shopcreativelaw.com/shop/indemnification-provision

-Force Majeure (This one is free!) https://www.shopcreativelaw.com/force-majeure-provision?rq=force%20majeure

-Limitation of Liability: https://www.shopcreativelaw.com/shop/limitation-of-liability-provision 

-Representation and Warranties: https://www.shopcreativelaw.com/shop/representation-and-warranties-provision

⭐Other Episodes and Resources for Paige: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/legal-topics

FAN FAVORITE RESOURCES:

🎙️Apply to be on the Podcast: https://sprw.io/stt-xfsV5fhDxxT3NJGVBghmWp

✅ 2,000 Digital Product Prompts (only $17): https://lizziesmiley.samcart.com/products/2000-digital-product-prompts

 🎉 Lizzie’s Coaching Group (one time fee = life time access): https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/lizzie-smiley-s-coaching-group

➡️ Beginner Course: Six Figure Secrets to Getting Started on Etsy: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/six-figure-secrets  

Use code SAVE50 to save $50

➡️Trendspotting Membership: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/offers/JxNYgLnw  

Use code KEEP20 to save $20 on your first month

Get weekly emails with a trend report, over 200 high demand listing suggestions (POD/Digital), and a monthly group coaching call!

➡️ Lizzie’s AI Workshops: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/ai-workshops  

Save $50 with code SAVE50

----------------------

FIND LIZZIE:

Find me on Instagram and TikTok @HowtoSellYourStuff 

Apply to be on the Podcast: https://shorturl.at/skDBs

HOW TO SELL YOUR STUFF WEBSITE: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/ 

HOW TO SELL YOUR STUFF SHOWNOTES: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/blog/200     

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY:

The Six Figure Secrets to Getting Started on Etsy beginner course

Use code SAVE50 to save $50

https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/six-figure-secrets

AND

Trendspotting

Receive a weekly trendspotting report from me with all the biggest trends and a video showing how to use them!

➡️You’ll also get access to over 140 hot, low competition products in the POD and Digital Product space—with more added weekly.

➡️Need one-on-one support? I host a monthly group coaching call where you can ask questions and request a live shop review.

Grab your spot: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/offers/JxNYgLnw

Save $20 on your first month with code KEEP20

*Some of the links above are affiliate links which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. You can see my affiliate disclosure here: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/affiliate-disclosure