Myth Vs Fact
Setting the Record Straight
“Support music, not rumours.”
- Chuck Schuldiner
From time to time, misinformation circulates about Pull The Plug Patches.
We believe transparency matters. Below are factual clarifications regarding commonly repeated claims.
01 — Manufacturing Relationships
Claim: We “strong-armed” a manufacturer.
Clarification:
We have never coerced or pressured any manufacturing partner.
Our production partners are independent businesses who choose to work with us. As our order volume increased, capacity was adjusted by mutual agreement.
All manufacturing relationships are voluntary and contractual.
02 — “Shutting Down” Other Businesses
Claim: We shut down other sellers by “snitching.”
Clarification:
Pull The Plug Patches is a brand. We do not distribute third-party merchandise, nor do we control band intellectual property.
We do not have the authority to shut down other businesses.
Intellectual property enforcement decisions are made exclusively by the rights holders (bands, licensors, or their representatives). Any enforcement actions are initiated at their discretion.
03 — Shaped Patch Designs
Claim: We claim to have invented shaped patches.
Clarification:
We have never claimed to invent shaped patches.
We were early adopters of complex shaped woven patches at scale and contributed to their broader visibility within the modern battle jacket scene.
04 — Product Quality
Claim: Our quality has declined.
Clarification:
We maintain consistent quality standards across our product lines.
Our materials, weaving and embroidery specifications, and finishing processes remain aligned with the standards established when the company was founded.
05 — Legal Action & Online Accounts
Claim: We shut down a “meme page.”
Clarification:
In situations involving defamatory statements or false factual claims, we have taken legal steps to protect our business.
These actions are limited to addressing demonstrably false and harmful claims. They are not related to criticism, parody, or general commentary.
06 — Exclusive Agreements
Claim: We hold exclusive deals preventing others from working with bands.
Clarification:
We do not hold exclusive control over any band’s intellectual property.
Artists and rights holders are free to enter into agreements with licensed partners of their choosing.
07 — Relationships with Artists
Claim: We speak negatively about the bands we work with.
Clarification:
We maintain professional relationships built on mutual respect.
We do not publicly disparage artists we collaborate with.
08 — “In It for the Money”
Claim: We are not supportive of the scene.
Clarification:
We operate under formal licensing agreements and pay royalties to artists.
Licensed merchandise ensures artists are compensated for the use of their intellectual property.
09 — Use of Artwork
Claim: We steal artwork.
Clarification:
We do not use artwork without authorization.
All designs are either:
• Licensed directly from rights holders
• Commissioned under agreement
• Or produced with documented permission
We also actively protect our own intellectual property from unauthorized commercial use.
10 — Team Structure & Worker Treatment
Claim: We mistreat employees or misrepresent the size of our team.
Clarification:
Pull The Plug Patches operates as a small, family-led business.
The company is managed day-to-day by a mom and pop team.
Operational fulfillment is handled internally, with occasional part-time assistance from family members.
We work with:
• A remote Creative Director under a formal professional arrangement
• Independent designers engaged on a contractual, project-based basis
We do not operate a large internal staff.
All collaborators are engaged through clear agreements and compensated for their work. We do not employ unpaid labor.
11 — Designer Compensation
Claim: We poorly compensated a former designer.
Clarification:
We have not employed or contracted a designer who was underpaid or exploited.
Unsolicited submissions or unused concepts do not constitute employment or commissioned work unless a formal agreement is in place.
12 — Limited Releases
Claim: “Limited” releases are misleading.
Clarification:
When a product is designated as limited by a specific numbered quantity, it is not reprinted. Some releases are not numbered and may be restocked depending on demand and licensing structure. These distinctions are communicated at launch.
Our production runs are controlled and project-based. We do not mass-produce inventory beyond what is appropriate for the design and agreement in place. Release structures vary by project and are disclosed at launch.
13 — Design Similarities & Licensing
Claim: We plagiarize designs created by others.
Clarification:
We produce officially licensed merchandise.
If unauthorized sellers have previously used artwork without permission, that does not prevent a rights holder or a licensed partner from producing an authorized version.
Legitimacy is determined by licensing agreements.
14 — Drop Shipping & Manufacturing Location
Claim: We are a drop-shipping operation.
Clarification:
We are not a drop-shipping business. We work directly with established manufacturing partners and oversee production specifications.
Production logistics may evolve over time based on operational needs, but product development and fulfillment remain managed within our operational structure.
15 — Early History of the Brand
Claim: We began as a bootlegging operation.
Clarification:
Pull The Plug Patches began in a DIY capacity, producing custom items for personal use and creative experimentation.
In the earliest stage, a limited number of pieces were shared with friends and sold to offset production expenses. There was no structured commercial operation at that time.
As the brand developed and demand increased, we transitioned into formal licensing relationships with rights holders and established a structured business model.
As part of that transition, royalties were paid in good faith on those early designs once licensing relationships were formalized.
All current products are produced under authorization.
Pull The Plug Patches operates today as a licensed merchandise brand.
16 — AI Artwork
Claim: We use AI-generated artwork in our designs.
Clarification:
We do not use AI-generated art in our product designs.
On one occasion, a third-party marketing asset included AI imagery without prior approval. It was removed.
17 — Harassment Allegations
Claim: We have a history of harassing small creators.
Clarification:
We do not engage in harassment of other businesses.
We do not publicly disparage other companies and encourage professional conduct within the industry.
Where intellectual property or defamatory claims are involved, we address those matters through appropriate legal and professional channels rather than public confrontation.
We believe competition should be conducted professionally and within the bounds of the law.
Our Position
Pull The Plug Patches operates as a licensed merchandise brand.
Our focus is:
• Official partnerships
• Royalty compliance
• Product quality
• Long-term sustainability
We understand that growth can attract scrutiny.
Our commitment remains to operate professionally and transparently.
For further information, please refer to our Transparency page.