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Trademark Questions & Answers
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, 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.
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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 Trademark and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: Hi, we are a gift basket business in Florida. What are the laws about having items in a basket that are trademarked?

for example, If we put a book in a kids box is that allowed? What about things like legos or disney or another "known" company product in the basket if we are not claiming it as our own or that we made it?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

When it comes to including trademarked items in gift baskets, the key considerations are the principles of trademark law and the "first sale doctrine." Here's what you need to know:

1. First Sale Doctrine: Under U.S. copyright and trademark law, the "first sale...
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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
James L. Arrasmith
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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 Trademark and Intellectual Property on
Q: Is it possible to use a word for which only a trademark application is issued or not? (630 - New Application)

Hi, I would like to ask about trademark registrations. for example, this is the registration of the word "Minecraft" . We see there "Status - 700 - Registered" (https://trademarks.justia.com/791/45/minecraft-79145431.html)

But for another word there is only "630 -... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

Based on U.S. trademark law, simply filing a trademark application does not grant the applicant the right to use the trademark or enforce it against others. The "630 - New Application" status indicates that the application has been submitted, but it has not been assigned to an examiner... View More

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 Business Formation, Trademark and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: If I am using Dali Llama Yoga for a business name, would there be an issue or conflict with the person Dalai Lama?
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answered on Apr 12, 2024

There could potentially be some issues with using "Dali Llama Yoga" as a business name in California. While the spelling is slightly different, the name is very similar to the Dalai Lama, the religious leader of Tibetan Buddhism. This similarity could lead to a few potential legal... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Texas on
Q: Can I trademark Together We Can since the previos trademark has been abandoned
Giselle Ayala Mateus
Giselle Ayala Mateus
answered on Apr 12, 2024

When considering trademarking "Together We Can," it's crucial to conduct thorough research to ensure the name is available and eligible for trademark protection.

Start by searching the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database to confirm that the previous...
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2 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Texas on
Q: Can I trademark Together We Can since the previos trademark has been abandoned
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answered on Apr 11, 2024

It's possible to apply for a trademark that was previously registered but has since been abandoned. However, there are a few important considerations:

1. Make sure the trademark is truly abandoned. You can search the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) database to confirm...
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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Business Law, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Washington on
Q: Can a business competitor use a non-trademarked brand I've created to disrupt my business?

I run a golf academy and have a very successful ladies program "FORE The Ladies". Recently, a neighboring course who hired an ex-employee of mine, began running ads with the Program name "Fore the Ladies" and use a very similar typeface in their paid marketing.

This has... View More

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answered on Apr 11, 2024

In the United States, even if you haven't federally registered your trademark, you may have some protections under common law trademark rights. Common law trademark rights are established through the actual use of a mark in commerce in connection with goods or services, and these rights are... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Texas on
Q: How will I know if my trademark is being contested, and do I need to complete attestations in all 50 states to stop it?

About a month ago I paid $5,000 total to Trademark Fortress to register my business name and logo in 4 USPTO classes. They told me I was all set, but now they are telling me that someone is contesting my filing, and that I need to pay thousands more to file attestations in all 50 states to protect... View More

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answered on Apr 11, 2024

I understand your concern and frustration with this situation. Here are a few important points to consider:

1. Transparency: A reputable trademark attorney or company should be transparent about any opposition or contestation to your trademark application. They should provide you with...
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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Arkansas on
Q: What does it mean when the copyright or trademark has been abandoned. And if it means the person or entity no longer own

It can some one else take the rights for copyright or trademark. ? If nine of these then if the purpose or business isnt what the propritor has is it okay to use the name?

Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
answered on Apr 10, 2024

The term of copyright for a particular work depends on several factors, including whether it has been published, and, if so, the date of first publication. As a general rule, for works created after January 1, 1978, copyright protection lasts for the life of the author plus an additional 70 years.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Arkansas on
Q: What does it mean when the copyright or trademark has been abandoned. And if it means the person or entity no longer own

It can some one else take the rights for copyright or trademark. ? If nine of these then if the purpose or business isnt what the propritor has is it okay to use the name?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2024

When a copyright or trademark has been abandoned, it generally means that the owner has stopped using or enforcing their rights to the intellectual property. This can happen due to various reasons, such as:

1. The owner deliberately abandons the copyright or trademark.

2. The owner...
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2 Answers | Asked in Trademark for New York on
Q: How do I legally use an already trademarked character?

I'm Looking to use a Disney character. Rather a warner brother character for a piece in my clothing line

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answered on Apr 8, 2024

To legally use a trademarked character, such as a Disney or Warner Bros. character, you typically need to obtain permission from the company that owns the intellectual property rights. This usually involves securing a licensing agreement. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Identify the...
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2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Texas on
Q: Can I legally start a snow cone stand with a play on words and image theme from a classic TV show?

Would I need to pay a trademark licensing fee?

Micah Barrett
Micah Barrett
answered on Apr 5, 2024

I recommend seeking advice from a trademark lawyer as the answer depends upon the specific name and use of your own name and the TV show name. Depending on the name, the TV show may come after you for trademark infringement. To give some background, trademark infringement for puns hinges on whether... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Texas on
Q: Can I legally start a snow cone stand with a play on words and image theme from a classic TV show?

Would I need to pay a trademark licensing fee?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 5, 2024

The legality of using a play on words and image theme from a classic TV show for your snow cone stand depends on several factors. While you may be able to use a clever play on words, directly using trademarked names, logos, or images from the TV show without permission could infringe on the... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for New York on
Q: Can you restore my lost trademark for "abandonment"? I have been using this name for 60 years

Trademark Details

Status: 602 - Abandoned-Failure To Respond Or Late Response

Image for trademark with serial number 85047118

Serial Number85047118

Status602 - Abandoned-Failure To Respond Or Late Response

Status Date2011-04-06

Filing Date2010-05-25... View More

Micah Barrett
Micah Barrett
answered on Apr 5, 2024

Good afternoon,

It appears that your did not respond to an Office Action received on September 8, 2010, within the six month response period. Consequently, the USPTO sent you a "Notice of Abandonment." You had two months from the receipt of the Notice of Abandonment to file a...
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3 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for New York on
Q: Can you restore my lost trademark for "abandonment"? I have been using this name for 60 years

Trademark Details

Status: 602 - Abandoned-Failure To Respond Or Late Response

Image for trademark with serial number 85047118

Serial Number85047118

Status602 - Abandoned-Failure To Respond Or Late Response

Status Date2011-04-06

Filing Date2010-05-25... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2024

Based on the information provided, it appears that your trademark was abandoned due to a failure to respond or a late response to an office action or other communication from the USPTO. Once a trademark is considered abandoned, the application process is terminated, and the mark is no longer... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for California on
Q: Want to set up an enthusiasts website for a car brand. I have the .org website. They have .com. Can they take it off me

The website is not for profit. It will be clearly marked as independent and it will be full of news about the car brand: a brand I love.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 4, 2024

The brand owner (the company that owns the .com website) may be able to take legal action against you for using their trademark in your .org website, even if it is a non-profit enthusiast site. This falls under trademark infringement laws.

Some key points:

1. Trademarks protect...
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Q: Who could I contact regarding some people who have done fraud to steal a person legacy

My friend who passed away had a Patton and trademark that some people have made up fake marriage and other recorded doc to steal his legacy?

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answered on Apr 4, 2024

In California, if you suspect fraudulent activities concerning a person's legacy, including patents and trademarks, it's crucial to address the matter with urgency due to the potential legal implications and the risk of significant financial loss. You can reach out to an intellectual... View More

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