Ugly Christmas sweaters are fun to wear, but the artwork and branding printed on them are often protected under copyright, trademark, and Nebraska’s Right of Publicity laws. Whether you’re buying one or planning to sell holiday merch online, it’s important to understand who owns the design and when a license is required. This guide explains how IP law applies to holiday apparel and what you need to know before turning a festive idea into a business.

When RuPaul’s Drag Race finalist Lexi Love lost bookings and digital platforms over a trademark battle, it showed how fragile a performer’s name can be without legal protection. As an attorney practicing lifestyle law for adult entertainers and creatives, I break down how trademark disputes work, what “common law rights” really mean, and why securing your stage name is essential for your career and identity.