Kacey Musgraves calls out intellectual property thieves

Country star Kacey Musgraves has called out rarities dealers who have made money from unauthorised merchandise featuring her lyrics.

The Grammy winner has received acclaim for her vocal talents as well as her songwriting skills, and taking pride in her work, Kacey took to Instagram.com on Sunday (07Feb16) to put a spotlight on those attempting to make extra cash from selling items associated with her.

She posted a photo of herself holding a sign which pulls a line from her song Biscuits and reads: "Mind your own biscuits and life will be gravy - Kacey Musgraves".

The singer added the caption, "This sign was found being sold in a major corporate western wear chain. (It's now pulled off the shelves) but it, along with SO MANY other countless items with my song lyrics (and sometimes my name) are being illegally manufactured and sold in not only major chains but in smaller retailers too. My lyrics are being ripped off so many times and, naturally, nobody buying this stuff would ever know that the people who actually CREATED these lyrics are seeing ZERO benefits. It's a huge problem I face every day."

She continued, "There are correct ways to go about using intellectual property to sell and it's not being done. And yeah, sure, it's flattering and it's 'getting my message out there' but I've got bills to pay, too. Theft is not a compliment. (My livelihood is my songwriting) Anyway, it just makes me kinda sad and I wanted y'all to know that I currently have not authorized any of my lyrics to be put on anything for sale in ANY major retailers or boutiques of any kind."

Kacey concluded by asking her loyal fans to have her back when it comes to illegal merchandise, writing, "If you support me and my music please just go to my website and shop or come to a show. And please lemme know if you see anything out there. I'm down to fight it. This happens to SO many writers. Think before you buy. The product might be cute but stealing ain't."