How Banksy retains control

There is an absolutely fascinating article in the New York Times - Banksy Is a Control Freak. But He Can’t Control His Legacy - which unpicks the business model Banksy uses to remain in control of his brand.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND artists read it as it's a very useful way of demonstrating ways in which artists can retain control over the copyright of their own artwork if marketing and selling direct to the public.

Banksy’s rise and rise is the result of years of meticulous control of his message, his market and, most importantly, his mystique.

Below I've attempted to summarise what actions Banksy has taken to control the market for his artwork - including:

• Pest Control
• Gross Domestic Product
• Bbay

It looks simpler than it is - and a lot of it is entirely to do with how the law works.

BANKSY COPYRIGHT CONTROL: In summary.....

In summary, he has created a wonderful system for keeping scams and fraud under control
(i.e. avoiding the awful Andy Warhol problem)

Gross Domestic Product - the website and shop created to regulate rip-offs of Banksy's Trademark.

Sale of originals

Banksy has no gallery representing him. Instead, he sells NEW original works for million dollar multiples to selected private collectors.

These sales help fund his big projects - which keep his "name in the frame".

Trade Mark without Text

This is the formal documentation of his trademark.

Subsequently he was challenged in court - which led to various developments described below.