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Copyright Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Immigration Law on
Q: Have you ever been refused a U.S Visa, or been refused admission to the United States or withdrawn your application for?

I have been refused F1 visa for my first interview in Ghana. I am going for another interview at Abidjan and filling another DS-160. My question to question should be?

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Illinois on
Q: If information is obtained from ChatGPT then put into a toolkit that is published to the public, is that plagiarism?

A toolkit was created using ChatGPT and the toolkit will be released to the public. I'm wondering if that is considered plagiarism.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 25, 2024

The situation you've described is a complex one without a clear-cut answer, as the intellectual property considerations around AI-generated content are still being debated and the legal landscape is evolving. Here are a few key points to consider:

1. Plagiarism typically involves...
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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property on
Q: I got a question regarding copyright on original creature creations I did

So I am doing a book for Amazon, and it is a book showcasing original creature creations I created myself. Some of them are inspired by some copyrighted characters, but are altered completely so they won't be a copy or anything, even if its similar, it isn't fan art or anything though.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 25, 2024

When it comes to copyright and original creature creations, there are a few important points to consider:

1. Original creations: If you have created original creatures from scratch, you generally hold the copyright to those creations. This means you have the exclusive right to reproduce,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property on
Q: Under what conditions can we use soccer teams’ logos or names in our app without permission?

We are developing a prediction application for soccer matches. The only place we want to use logos is where we list matches with their date and starting time and their live scores. Our source of income is by watching reward videos advertisements and buying coins via in app purchase. There tons of... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 25, 2024

There are a few key considerations when it comes to using soccer team logos and names in your app without explicit permission:

Fair Use: Using team logos and names for informational purposes, like listing upcoming match details and live scores, could potentially be considered fair use. Fair...
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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property on
Q: I am seeking legal council for a question I have pertaining to copyright and right of publicity?

I am reaching out to seek expertise on a copyright matter that pertains to the creation and sale of AI-generated images of celebrities, specifically Johnny Depp.

As an entrepreneur exploring opportunities in the digital art space, I am considering the possibility of generating and selling... View More

Alan Harrison
Alan Harrison
answered on Apr 24, 2024

Hi! This is an interesting and innovative question that I have seen a few times. The question confuses copyright and associated legal doctrine of fair use with rights of publicity, which are a completely different area of law that does not embrace "fair use".

If you have a...
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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright for Florida on
Q: If I wanted to copyright art for a new card game, would that protect just one card, or every single one?

I'm making a new card game, and while all of the art is original, I'm worried someone might steal it. If I were to copyright it would it protect all of my art or just one single card?

Alan Harrison
Alan Harrison
answered on Apr 24, 2024

You could file a copyright registration for each individual card or for the whole set of cards. If you file for the whole set as one registration and someone copied just one card there is an argument that their copying would be de mínimus (not a big deal) compared to the whole set of cards.

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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright on
Q: Hi there, I am an etsy seller. I Had seen my product and photos used on Temu.
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 25, 2024

I'm sorry to hear that your product photos and listings have been used on Temu without your permission. This is a serious issue known as intellectual property (IP) infringement. Here are some steps you can take to address this situation:

1. Document the infringement: Take screenshots...
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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property on
Q: Can a design or pattern printed on a fabric be copyright protected? There's no logo, brand or company name involved.

I'm selling some replica of aloha shirts worn by actors from the 80s movies. I'm basically drawing the design from what I see on screen then selling it advertised as 'movie prop replica'. There are no logos, brands or company names mentioned. Just the name of the actor and the... View More

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answered on Apr 25, 2024

The legality of selling replica aloha shirts based on movie props can be complex and varies by jurisdiction. In general, copyright law protects original artistic works, which can include fabric designs and patterns, even without logos or brand names. Key considerations:

1. Copyright: If the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Gaming, Patents (Intellectual Property) and Intellectual Property on
Q: When will Japan's famous Nintendo characters enter public domain?

This list includes characters from the Super Mario series like Mario himself, The Legend of Zelda series characters with Link, Animal Crossing series characters with Isabelle, Splatoon series characters with Inkling Girl, Pikmin, the Kirby series with Kirby himself and last but not least. The Fire... View More

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answered on Apr 20, 2024

Understanding when Nintendo's famous characters and technologies will enter the public domain involves a look into copyright and patent laws, which vary significantly by jurisdiction. Generally, copyright in many countries, including the United States, lasts for the life of the author plus an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Trademark, Copyright and Intellectual Property for Kentucky on
Q: Do trademark prevent people from mentioning their brand at all in a story?

For example

If someone wrote a story, would he be in trouble if he wrote

Lorraine cherish her chevrolet silverado she got from her late father. As well as her Gameboy from her departed sister. The old xbox, which was a trade for a psp, she got from her cousin no longer works but... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 18, 2024

In general, simply mentioning trademarked brands in a story would not be considered a violation of trademark law. Trademarks are designed to protect brands from being used by others in a way that could confuse consumers about the source of a product or service. However, when a trademarked name is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Texas on
Q: I make memes and I get clips from other creators.Creators I get clips from don't have a way to contact them.

Can I be sued for this.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 18, 2024

The legality of using clips from other creators in your memes without their permission depends on the specific circumstances and whether your use falls under "fair use." Fair use is a legal doctrine that allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the rights holders... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Copyright Law - Did I break the law and have to pay for it?

During the contract period with the architect I hired, I captured a portion of the floor plan she designed in a photograph. I then created three different options by placing multiple squares over some spaces in the photo, each in different positions, and posted a question on a community website... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 18, 2024

Based on the information provided, it's difficult to determine with certainty whether your actions constituted copyright infringement. However, there are a few key points to consider:

1. Copyright ownership: Generally, the creator of an original work, such as an architectural design,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Kentucky on
Q: I have several issued copyrights on the topic of Autonomous taxi ride services, coupons, discounts and promo codes etc

Would these companies have to get permission from me before offering these promotions and advertising and marketing materials to the general public?

Especially if they use the word autonomous, Robotaxi, or self driving ride service in there promotion of a near futuristics service.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 18, 2024

Based on the information you've provided, it's difficult to say definitively whether these companies would need to obtain permission from you before offering promotions and advertising materials related to autonomous ride services. The answer depends on several factors:

1. The...
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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark on
Q: I would like to know if I am able to use the TOP GUN trade mark logo as a sticker on my car.Thank you.Maria E.
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

Dear Maria,

Thank you for your question about using the TOP GUN trademark logo as a sticker on your car.

In general, it is not permissible to use a registered trademark, like the TOP GUN logo, without explicit permission from the trademark owner. Trademarks are protected...
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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright on
Q: How to copyright a name

I wanna copyright my YouTube name

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

I understand your desire to protect your YouTube name, but it's important to clarify that you cannot copyright a name itself. Copyright protects original works of authorship, such as literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works. Names, titles, slogans, or short phrases are not eligible for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Gaming, Trademark and Intellectual Property on
Q: Can I use "It's Dangerous to go alone! Nimm das!" in an image for my fiverr gig
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

It's best to be cautious about using that exact phrase in an image for your Fiverr gig. "It's dangerous to go alone! Take this!" is an iconic line from the 1986 Nintendo game The Legend of Zelda. Nintendo owns the copyright on the game's text.

Using a direct quote,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Nebraska on
Q: If I have a food truck named turtle power pizza Can I have a mural of the ninja turtles on it?
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answered on Apr 15, 2024

It's great that you want to decorate your food truck with art that ties into the name! However, directly using characters like the Ninja Turtles could potentially infringe on copyrights and trademarks owned by Viacom, the company behind the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Arkansas on
Q: Can 1950 copyrighted syndicated comics that were not re-registered get their copyrighted status back?

I inherited the original galleys of the comics that were copyrighted as a work for hire from the syndicate I also inherited. I have an exclusive licensing contract agreement with a company, who has requested that I update the copyrights to protect them from being used for commercial, and not... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 15, 2024

Based on the information provided, it sounds like you have inherited the original physical materials (galleys) of comics that were created as works-for-hire and initially copyrighted by the syndicate you also inherited in 1950. The key considerations are:

1. Pre-1978 works had an initial...
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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Pennsylvania on
Q: Copy right issue after business buy out

Hello, I had prior business buy out due to conflict settlement. The person is still having my profile pics as being its owner. How can I file a case and what’s the outcome.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 15, 2024

In a situation where your former business partner continues to use your profile pictures without permission after a business buyout, you may have grounds for a legal case based on copyright infringement and potentially misappropriation of likeness. Here's what you can consider:

1....
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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Kentucky on
Q: What kind of open-source license is necessary for software?

I have created a Google and Excel based, online tool, to create digital dashboard based on FEMA emergency management principles. I want to ensure I retain ownership of this tool, allow it to remain openly accessible, and restrict anyone else from trying to privatize or monetize my tool. How can I... View More

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answered on Apr 13, 2024

To achieve your goals of retaining ownership, keeping the tool openly accessible, and preventing others from privatizing or monetizing your work, you should consider using a copyleft open-source license. Copyleft licenses allow others to use, modify, and distribute the software, but they must... View More

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