Many artists — and fans in general — have wondered about Kidrobot’s position on “Customizing” vs. “Bootlegging,” so it is about time that the record is set straight.

Customizing is when you purchase an original art toy and then alter, add to and/or build onto that original art toy, creating a modified version of the original and bringing something of your own to life. Customizing allows up-and-coming artists the opportunity to work on Kidrobot’s otherwise inaccessible platform shapes (e.g., DUNNY, MUNNY, KIDROBOT). And, when you customize a Kidrobot art toy, you show respect to Kidrobot by not bootlegging and, oftentimes, Kidrobot will promote these customized works via its social channels.

Bootlegging, on the other hand, involves the creation (or rather, re-creation) of somebody else’s work; it is also called copyright infringement and represents the illegal use of another’s copyrighted work. If, for example, you cast a mold or in any other way reproduce a Kidrobot platform shape, regardless of the material used, then you are violating and infringing upon certain rights, since Kidrobot is the author and sole owner of those platform shapes.

It is important to understand that Kidrobot takes the protection of its intellectual property seriously and, therefore, must diligently pursue those attempting to profit from Kidrobot’s name and intellectual property. By actively pursuing bootleggers, Kidrobot demonstrates its support of the art world, its employees and customers, and the artists who license their amazing works of art to Kidrobot so that they can produce incredible collectible products. Kidrobot has worked with, and will continue to work with, literally hundreds of artists who engage them directly and request authorization to use Kidrobot platforms; and they look forward to continuing those relationships, which are strengthened by Kidrobot’s active pursuit of those who opt to move forward without authorization.

Everyone at Kidrobot realizes the line between bootlegging and customizing can get blurry, so all they ask is that you reach out to them BEFORE you create Kidrobot-based works that may infringe.