Banksy’s trademark fight with a greetings card company has taken a turn as the company is fighting back against allegations they are selling fake Banksy merchandise.

The artist has accused the company of trying to take “custody” of his name.

In the middle of a trademark fight, the company, Full Colour Black, said the allegations are not true.

Banksy says he was forced to open his new storefront, GrossDomesticProduct, because of the legal fight with the greeting card company.

Lawyers advised the artist to sell his own merchandise to avoid having other people sell items under his trademark, under EU law.

The greeting card company says that it takes photos of the public graffiti and street art and sells it to small companies and private vendors. They claim they do not fringe upon Banksy’s rights and do not use his trademark or his brand name.

The company also said it has tried to contact Banksy to offer to pay royalties.

Banksy says he has been making pieces in order to fulfill trademark requirements under EU law.

“I still encourage anyone to copy, borrow, steal and amend my art for amusement, academic research or activism,” he said. “I just don’t want them to get sole custody of my name.”

Full Colour Black posted a statement on Facebook that read:

Banksy – we love you. Don’t ruin your great reputation by attempting to shut small businesses. Trying to trademark your old graffiti pictures so your fans can’t buy them isn’t good – we’re merely challenging you. Nothing more. Also, do everyone a favour – tell the truth. Tell your Corporate Lawyers [sic] to stop saying that we’re trying to take custody of your name. We’re not… we never have… and we never will. Charity begins at home.

Banksy says he thinks the greeting card company believes he won’t show up to court in order to defend himself.