If you ever thought there was a gap in the market for Beyonce-themed merchandise for those who are newly engaged, think again. Just one click on Etsy can lead you to dozens of "Feyonce" mugs, clothing and other items.
But the Queen B has spoken. Crafters can no longer sell "feyoncé" merchandise on the handmade goods online store Etsy.
Etsy allows pretty much anyone to sell their unique and handcrafted goods, so the site is not to blame for creating the items. But Beyoncé has threatened legal action against the site if they continue to let their users sell items that seem to rip off her name. According to TMZ, Ms. Carter "fired off a letter to the company crying foul...and then threatening them."
The popular mugs, which refer to Beyoncé's song "Single Ladies," replace the "B" with a "F" to create a play on the word "fiancé," with the "O" being an engagement ring.
Etsy immediately removed the mugs from its site from that one seller; however, other Beyoncé'-inspired merch still exists including more "feyoncé" mugs, clothing and other items.
It is not yet clear if Queen B will go after these sellers as well, so grab them while you still can.
But the singer's wishes may not hold up in court. There is a "fair use" exemption to copyrights, which could view the feyoncé items as parody. Furthermore, it would be hard for Beyoncé to argue her empire has been threatened by the mugs and other merchandise.
[PHOTO CREDIT: Etsy/ jak216/ TMZ]
