Legal Safety Guide: AI Music & Merch

This training hub helps AI music creators and merch designers stay compliant when working with Suno, GPT tools, and Shopify. Learn what’s allowed, what to avoid, and how to launch with confidence.

Why This Matters

Content takedowns, store bans, and monetization issues are increasing across AI music and merch platforms. This guide helps you avoid common traps while building creative freedom. Always remember: this is not legal advice—this is strategic awareness for creators.

• ✅ Suno has strict licensing terms that vary by plan
• ❌ Print-on-demand platforms auto-flag “team-inspired” designs
• ✅ Shopify gives creators flexibility—but you’re responsible for IP compliance

Music Rights: What You Can & Can’t Use

Safe Use (Green Zone)

• Original lyrics you wrote yourself
• Instrumentals generated through Suno Pro tier
• Public domain chants or folk motifs (check before use)

Risky Use (Yellow Zone)

• Remixing well-known chants (e.g., "Ole Ole Ole")
• Creating sound-alikes of commercial music
• Using crowd recordings with identifiable chants or team references

Infringing Use (Red Zone)

• Using copyrighted melodies or lyrics (even as inspiration)
• Sampling actual broadcast audio or official goal horns
• Referencing league names, player names, or licensed properties

Merch IP Zones: Design Legally

Green Zone (Safe)

• City or regional names ("East LA Energy")
• Original slogans like "Drop the Gloves Not the Mic"

Yellow Zone (Caution)

• Player numbers without names (e.g., "#87") — ⚠️ Only safe if not tied to a known team or player. If your design includes references that imply a specific athlete, league, or city-player connection, it may violate personality rights or suggest false endorsement.
• Example: "Montreal #76" could imply association with a well-known former defenseman. You must ensure that your number references are either abstract, symbolic, or fully disconnected from real individuals.
• Tip: You may use numbers that represent your brand or narrative, but the onus is on you to avoid misleading interpretations or identity overlap.
• Colors heavily associated with teams
• Community nicknames or unofficial mascots
• Parody phrases that resemble known slogans

Red Zone (Avoid)

• Team names, logos, fonts, or mascots
• League names ("NBA", "Stanley Cup")
• Any likeness to a player's name, image, or number-style jersey

Platform Risk Grid

Execution Checklist

• My lyrics and music are fully original or AI-generated from Suno
• I did not use league/team names, slogans, or likenesses
• My merch slogans reference city culture, not protected IP
• I avoided jersey-style designs, mascots, and official colors
• I reviewed Suno terms: Free = personal, Pro = conditional commercial
• I tested my merch on Printful/Printify and passed review
• I understand parody/fair use is not a legal defense against takedown

Need Guidance?

This is a practical guide for creators—not legal advice. If you need help shaping your lyrics, slogans, or AI strategy, we’re here to help. For legal certainty, consult an IP attorney.