What should I do if another Etsy seller used an AI-edited version of my listing photo?

Hi! Yes—if they’ve used an AI-edited/blurred version of your original listing photo, the most effective (and most “on-point”) route on Etsy is usually a copyright infringement report for the photograph, not a trademark report. A logo showing in your photo doesn’t automatically make it a clean trademark claim—trademark is about consumer confusion over branding on the goods/services, while your photo itself is copyrighted creative work, and an AI “derivative” edit can still infringe if it’s recognizably based on your image.

Here’s the cleanest way to handle it (and why your earlier reports may be getting rejected):

1) File a copyright takedown for the photo (not trademark)

• Use Etsy’s IP reporting portal and choose copyright.
• Report the exact listing image(s) and include the listing URL(s) where the image appears.
• Identify your copyrighted work clearly: “Original photograph created by me on [approx date], first published in my Etsy listing [your listing URL].”
• Upload/attach (if the form allows) or be ready to provide: the original high‑res photo, and ideally a screenshot comparison (your original vs their AI-edited version) showing the same room/background details.
• Make sure your submission includes all the required statements (good-faith belief, accuracy/authority, electronic signature). Rejections often happen because one required element is missing, the wrong IP type was selected, or the URLs/details weren’t specific enough.

Important heads-up: if Etsy accepts your copyright report, the other seller may file a DMCA counter-notice. At that point, Etsy’s process is mostly procedural—if a counter-notice is valid, Etsy may restore the listing unless you escalate outside Etsy (which can mean legal action). So only file if you’re willing to stand behind the claim.

2) Document everything before you report (do this first)
This helps both with Etsy and if the seller keeps doing it:

• Screenshot their listing page (including shop name, date, and the image in question).
• Save the image as displayed (and note where it appears: photo #1, #2, etc.).
• Screenshot your own listing showing the original image and upload date if visible.
• Keep the original file (RAW/JPG), edits, and any “behind the scenes” proof you have (outtakes, session folder, metadata).

3) Consider messaging the seller once (optional, short, non-inflammatory)
Sometimes the fastest resolution is a simple written record: “That image is derived from my original photo. Please remove it from your Etsy listing(s) within 48 hours.”
Don’t argue back-and-forth—one message is enough, then move to the formal process.

4) Protect your future Etsy listing photos (without hurting performance)
Etsy’s own guidance generally discourages big overlay watermarks because they can reduce how your listing images get featured/used in certain placements. Instead, practical protections that don’t wreck conversion:

• Keep using a distinctive set/scene you can recognize quickly (your “signature” styling).
• Add a brand element in-scene (hang tag, packaging, insert card, embossed mark on the product, a consistent prop) rather than a big translucent overlay.
• Upload images at good quality but not full print-resolution (enough to sell, less useful to steal).
• Add listing video and more angle/detail shots—thieves often only grab the hero image, and video helps buyers trust it’s really your product.
• Periodically run a reverse image search on your bestsellers to catch copies early.

5) If this keeps happening, consider formal copyright registration (US)
You automatically own copyright the moment you take the photo, but registration can give you more leverage if you ever need to escalate beyond Etsy. If you’re in the US and these photos are central to your business, it’s worth at least pricing out (many sellers register batches/collections).

6) Protect your shop reputation (don’t let their listing drag you into drama)

• Don’t post public call-outs in your shop announcements or replies to reviews.
• Keep your own listings strong: clear photos, video, strong descriptions, and consistent branding.
• If buyers message you confused about “who’s original,” answer simply: you’re the original maker/seller and you photograph your own work.

If you want, paste (1) the exact rejection reason Etsy shows you and (2) whether you’re in the US or outside the US, and I’ll tell you how to adjust the copyright report so it’s more likely to pass Etsy’s completeness checks.