Graffiti artist Banksy has launched his own merchandise line, with items on sale for as little as £10, to protect his brand against a greeting-card company that is trying to "seize legal custody" of his name.
Banksy unveiled a pop-up-shop installation, named Gross Domestic Product, in Croydon, UK, to announce the launch of the merchandise range.
According to claims from the artist, he has been forced to release the branded merchandise following legal action from an unnamed greeting-card company.

 

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"GDP is the homewares brand from Banksy and this is our first and only store," said Banksy on Instagram. "The showroom is for display purposes only and the doors will not open. All sales will be conducted online when the website opens soon." "This shop has come about as a result of legal action," the statement continued. "A greetings cards company are trying to seize legal custody of the name Banksy from the artist, who has been advised the best way to prevent this is to sell his own range of branded merchandise."
Legal proceedings against Banksy began a year ago
According to news channel ITV, Banksy made the decision after taking advice from lawyer Mark Stephens, following the greeting-card company starting legal proceedings around a year ago.
"Banksy is in a difficult position beca...