“Image for educational purposes only.
All characters, logos, and designs shown
belong to their respective copyright and trademark owners.”
Copyright laws are an absolute minefield — and they’re much easier to break than you think.
Over the years, we’ve seen countless balloon professionals unintentionally fall foul of copyright and trademark rules. With the explosion of TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Etsy shops, the risk is even higher now than it was just a few years ago.
This is why we wanted to revisit and update this enlightening and informative article by Sonia Payne formally of Balloon Biz Academy, these insights are incredibly important for anyone running a balloon business today — whether you’re just starting out or have been established for years.
Why Copyright Infringement is Theft — Even if You Didn’t Mean It
Take a scroll through Facebook, TikTok, or Instagram, and it won’t take you long to stumble across countless examples of copyright infringement.
Yes, we said theft — because when you use another person’s work for your own commercial gain, that’s exactly what it is.
This is a widespread issue in the balloon and party industry. And let me be clear: most people who break the rules aren’t doing it deliberately. Many, like Sonia herself in the early days, assumed it must be okay because “everyone else was doing it.”
But as Sonia discovered, and as many balloon businesses have found out the hard way, ignorance is not a defence in the eyes of the law. It’s your responsibility as a business owner to understand the rules and trade within them.
Myths That Could Land You in Hot Water
There are so many industry myths that balloon businesses tell themselves to justify infringement:
“We’re only a small business — no one will notice.”
“If there isn’t a licensed balloon version, it must be okay to make it myself.”
“Everyone else does it — they can’t shut all of us down.”
“Non-profits don’t need to worry about copyright.”
“It’s fine as long as I don’t sell it online.”
None of these are true.
Even small, home-based businesses get caught. Companies like Disney, Marvel, and major football clubs employ entire teams dedicated to tracking down infringements online.
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok also act quickly when they receive a complaint. Accounts are often permanently deleted overnight, with no warning and no chance of appeal. Years of hard work building a brand can vanish in seconds.
Real-Life Example: Small Business, Big Consequences
A UK-based crafter was prosecuted after selling handmade bows using counterfeit ribbon. Trading Standards made test purchases, raided her home, and she ended up with 10 offences under:
The Trade Marks Act 1994
The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008
The Fraud Act 2006
The result?
A criminal record
A £4,100 fine
Her business shut down permanently
If you think that’s extreme, remember: these laws apply to you, too — even if you’re “just making balloons.”
9 Common Copyright Mistakes Balloon Businesses Make
1. Using Licensed Characters or Logos Without Permission
Just because you have a vinyl cutter doesn’t mean you can legally create designs featuring Disney characters, Marvel heroes, football club crests, or TikTok logos.
It doesn’t matter if there’s no balloon alternative on the market.
It doesn’t matter if you bought the cut file from someone else.
It’s still illegal to use these designs for commercial purposes.
Remember: If you didn’t create the design and you don’t have a commercial licence, you can’t use it.
2. Selling Balloon Characters or “Parodies”
Making a Mickey Mouse or Spider-Man balloon for practice at home is fine — this is considered fair use.
Selling those same creations? Not fine.
Some balloon twisters have tried to get around this by calling their designs “parodies,” but for a parody to count legally, it must include satire or social commentary. Simply making a latex version of a copyrighted character does not qualify.
3. Misusing Fabric, Ribbon, and Stickers
Even genuine Disney fabric or ribbon is usually sold for personal use only.
If you buy it and use it to make products you sell, you’re breaking the terms of sale and potentially copyright law. The same rule applies to stickers or other craft supplies featuring licensed characters.
Always check whether the materials you purchase are cleared for commercial use.
4. Fonts With “Personal Use Only” Licences
Many free fonts you find online are strictly for personal use.
If you use them to create vinyl decals for balloons you sell, you’re infringing copyright.
The safe option is to purchase fonts with a commercial licence through trusted marketplaces like:
Creative Market
FontBundles
Even then, read the licence carefully — some fonts have limits on how many products you can sell.
5. Song Lyrics & Music in Your Marketing
Short phrases or song titles can be trademarked, which means you can’t legally use them on your balloons.
Additionally, using popular songs as background music for Instagram Reels, TikTok videos, or Facebook Stories can get your content removed — or your entire account banned.
Use royalty-free music or approved tracks available within the social media platform’s library.
6. Trademarked Phrases Like “Elf on the Shelf”
This has been a massive issue in recent years. Even if you’re using genuine elf balloons, you cannot describe your product as an “Elf on the Shelf” balloon display.
Many balloon businesses lost their Facebook and Instagram accounts because of this — and once they’re gone, they’re gone for good.
7. Buying Counterfeit Balloons
Sites like Amazon, eBay, and Alibaba are flooded with cheap balloons — many of which are counterfeit.
These products:
Often fail to meet CE safety standards
Are poor quality and unsafe for customers
Are produced without proper licensing
Buying or selling counterfeit balloons is illegal (Trading Standards) Always purchase from reputable balloon wholesalers.
8. Using Other People’s Images Without Permission
This is a common mistake for new businesses.
It’s tempting to grab a few images from Google or Pinterest to populate your website or social media — but this is theft, plain and simple.
Not only is it illegal, but it’s also one of the fastest ways to damage your reputation. Balloon professionals take this very seriously, and you’ll quickly find yourself called out publicly.
9. Copying Designs Without Credit
Even if you’ve recreated someone’s balloon design using your own hands, passing it off as an original idea can lead to trouble.
While balloon designs are harder to protect legally, crediting the original designer is always the right thing to do — and it helps foster respect and collaboration within our industry.
What You Should Do Instead
Yes, it can feel frustrating when your competitors are breaking the rules and “getting away with it.” But here’s why it’s worth doing things properly:
You’ll protect your business and your family from devastating legal costs.
You’ll build a reputation as a trusted, professional business owner.
You’ll set yourself apart from the hobbyists and counterfeiters damaging the industry.
Before you take action, ask yourself this:
If I created something amazing tomorrow and others stole it to make money, how would I feel?
That perspective often makes the right choice crystal clear.
Final Thoughts
The balloon industry has grown massively over the past few years, especially online. This growth has brought exciting opportunities — but also new risks.
By taking copyright and trademark laws seriously, you’re not only protecting your own business but also helping to create a stronger, more professional industry for everyone.
BAPIA's goal is to help you grow a profitable, sustainable business that allows you to get paid to do what you love for years to come. Sometimes that means having difficult conversations like this, but they’re essential for your long-term success.
Stay creative, stay informed, and most importantly — stay amazing!
Sue Bowler
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