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Florida Intellectual Property Questions & Answers
3 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: A nail polish brand has a polish named Julia, another brand also has a polish named Julia. Can you sue over this?
Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Mar 9, 2023

No, not unless you are an owner of the other brand. Otherwise, you don't have standing to sue.

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3 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: A nail polish brand has a polish named Julia, another brand also has a polish named Julia. Can you sue over this?
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith PRO label
answered on Mar 10, 2023

It depends on whether the first nail polish brand has a registered trademark for the name "Julia" and if they are using it in connection with their nail polish products. If they do, then the second nail polish brand may be infringing on their trademark rights by using the same or similar... Read more »

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Entertainment / Sports, Copyright and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: can I sell sports cards I design & create legally or is a copyright violation or some other law violation

My friend & I like to design & create sports cards of wrestlers from different companies both past and current using images (png) we find online from whatever website has what we're looking for, then using an app on our phone we assemble & alter/manipulate (color/brightness etc)... Read more »

James L. Arrasmith
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James L. Arrasmith PRO label
answered on Feb 25, 2023

It is not legal to use images that you find online without permission from the copyright holder. Even if you manipulate them to create a new product, you could still be infringing on the original creator's rights. If you want to create sports cards using images of wrestlers, you should obtain... Read more »

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: Would it be illegal to use the photo of a background used on a runway and put it on a shirt to sell.

If it is, can I add anything to the shirt to make it legal? Like adding words on the shirt?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith PRO label
answered on Feb 25, 2023

Using a photo of a background used on a runway may infringe on the copyright of the designer or photographer who created the background. Without permission or a license, it would be illegal to use the photo to sell shirts. Adding words to the shirt may not necessarily make it legal, as the use of... Read more »

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2 Answers | Asked in Intellectual Property and Patents (Intellectual Property) for Florida on
Q: One quick question please if I may. How do I protect my idea from being stolen while I go through the process 4 a patent

I just want to make sure that if I go through with my idea, while it may take upwards of a year for the process to finish, that I can protect my idea somehow from being stolen by others and being patented by others.

David Aldrich
David Aldrich
answered on Feb 14, 2023

To obtain an issued, enforceable patent, you would file a “utility” patent application. When you say ”the process 4 a patent,” are you referring to the preparation of this patent application, or the process of ultimately obtaining an issued patent (i.e., the back-and-forth with the patent... Read more »

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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: Is tracing parts of an illustration violate copyright?

I am developing a NFT collection based on animated sitcons. I know that tracing over the character image to create a new art work is illegal. But what about assets present in the character picture? Things like hats/hairs/clothes and other assets. Can I trace over this assets present in the original... Read more »

Daniel Michael Luisi
Daniel Michael Luisi
answered on Jan 16, 2023

Your question concerns whether the proposed use of the copyrighted material is covered by the "fair use" defense to copyright infringement. Fair Use under Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act provides for certain cases where permission from the rights holder is not required. Courts... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: I'm a designer who works for a firm and does freelance on the side.

I sent a concept design to a potential client who ended up using it without my permission. I used my firm's email address as I was at work during a lunch break when I sent it. I sent a cease and desist letter to the potential client who stole my concept design. Their lawyer responded by saying... Read more »

Erik Špila
Erik Špila
answered on Oct 28, 2022

Dear Mrs or Mr,

this case you have presented could be a serious issue which shall be handled by a qualified professional in IP matters in your area. You should seek IP professional in your country and present him or her with more details of the case as this can not be duly and...
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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Tax Law, Business Law and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: We created a computer program that buys and sells Forex. We'd like to make sure we're legally following procedures.

We would like to take on clients to split the funds that the program makes from the buys/sells, but we want to be sure we do it the right way, legally and for tax reasons. We are researching resources to make sure we do this properly.

Jane Kim
Jane Kim PRO label
answered on Oct 31, 2022

You might be considered a financial institution for purposes of US regulations. Since this app would have an online presence and an international reach, you'd need to ask this question in every jurisdiction where you process payments. it is likely you'll need more than one type of lawyer... Read more »

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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Products Liability, Civil Rights and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: What can I do I signed POA to boyfriends mother to get my car out of impound. How do I get my car back?

While my now ex boyfriend and I was in jail. A friend got my car impounded. I could have sold it but I didn’t want to. My daughter’s grandma was even offering to get it out. To give to my daughter but she wanted to put it in her name. I didn’t want to sell it so my boyfriends mom said she... Read more »

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Jun 15, 2022

Whether there is something you can do that would have very good odds in your favor depends on the powers you specifically gave her in the POA. Was the power strictly limited to removing the vehicle from impound in order to give it to you, or was it more general? Either way, a good first step... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: Can I counter an intellectual property infringement notice from Etsy shop for using "But did you dye?" on my design?

I received an email from Etsy that another shop owner accused me of intellectual property infringement. The products were both shirts that have the phrase "but did you dye?" on them (different designs). Her shirt does have "TM" after the name in the product title, but I looked... Read more »

Marcos Garciaacosta
Marcos Garciaacosta
answered on Feb 28, 2022

You should definitely consult with an attorney.

She may have rights to a brand even if it is not registered.

2 Answers | Asked in Intellectual Property and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: I have a property in oxford. the person who was staying on the property took my tractor, wich is valued at $ 14,000.

The police said I should handle this through arbitration. I have title.

Jane Kim
Jane Kim PRO label
answered on Feb 25, 2022

That's too bad police did not want to deal with it. You have an option of filing a complaint for Civil Theft. Once you get a judgment you will have to initiate a collection suit asking for a Writ of Replevin that's when you turn over that document to the police and they go and get it.

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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: I print art for frame shops. How can I protect myself should they send me art that is copyrighted?

I own a small business that prints artwork wholesale for individuals and businesses. We take every necessary precaution that we’ve purchased rights to most of the art that we print, but some art comes to us by email from businesses that assure us they have permission to reproduce it. What if... Read more »

Marcos Garciaacosta
Marcos Garciaacosta
answered on Feb 4, 2022

Have them provide proof of permission.

Either a license, contract or similar.

Have them sign your terms where they become liable and protect you.

And check with professional liability, to see if you can buy protection for copyright infringement.

Consult with an attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Florida on
Q: Am I legally allowed to incorporate images of pet food bags for a powerpoint presentation on marketing schemes?

Putting together a slide presentation on common marketing tactics and wanted to use pet food bag images as examples. Wondering if this is legal or if I should block out the names of the pet food bags.

Jane Kim
Jane Kim PRO label
answered on Jan 21, 2022

You should probably repost it under trademark or intellectual property.

Under the Fair Use doctrine you can use a trademark without permission if the use is for educational or informational purposes; so long as it is not used for commercial purposes.

1 Answer | Asked in Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: I an divorced, didt do community property yet. I ex husband has never moved out,she did. Can I have women move in

It's been year and hakf we been divorced

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jan 15, 2022

What do you mean you "didt (sic) do community property yet"; Florida isn't a community property state?

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Copyright and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: I want to recreate old jewelry (1800s) with slight mods to brand and sell. Would this be a copyright violation?

I like discovering strange vintage pieces and I don't necessarily want to make "replicas" as I do want to make some alterations to the antique designs/make them more modern/brand-able. I just want to make sure I'm not stepping on anyone's toes/ violating some... Read more »

Robert Kost
PREMIUM
Robert Kost
answered on Jan 14, 2022

Jewelry is copyrightable, but from your description its copyright has long since expired. See: https://guides.library.cornell.edu/copyright/publicdomain

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: Potential damage to family personal property.

I was at my fiance's grandmother's house who is storing some possessions of her son's. Her son gave her a Christmas tree, so we set it up for her. However, he had a top to another Christmas tree there that we thought belonged to the one he gave her . It didnt light up since it... Read more »

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Dec 13, 2021

If the son gave her the tree, it is not his. So no, he couldn't recover for negligent damage to the tree.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Florida on
Q: I want to start an animal rescue. How do I trademark the name or copyright it so no one else can use it?

Don't want to get sued if someone else uses the name either.

Thomas James
Thomas James
answered on Nov 14, 2021

A trademark is what you are looking for. In the United States, they are established through use in commerce ("common law trademark.") To protect your rights in it, though, you should register it. Trademarks can be registered with a state or a federal government office. Federal... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Real Estate Law, Federal Crimes and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: the petition never received a formal accounting, and the case was dismissed, to find out that there were assets in trust

property was hidden that petitioner was in trust for him , bc trustee got divorced and were not able bc my father took my identity and sold the property to him self then when my mother went to sell she couldn't bc it was trust assets and deed and tittle in my name

Linda Liang
Linda Liang
answered on Nov 6, 2021

Do you have a question? If you do not know what to ask, you should contact an attorney for a consultation as a start

1 Answer | Asked in Intellectual Property, Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: My dad an stepmother bought a piece of property together some years ago,she wanted to build a house on it.

My dad didn't want to put any money in the house to be built,so he did not. About 2yrs went by an my father took a nasty fall down the balcony stairs one night an now he has neurological problems an of course on medication. One evening i looked up the property an it use to be in both there... Read more »

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Oct 28, 2021

It wouldn't be your "inheritance" until he were to die. But you could talk to an attorney about possibly becoming his guardian and asking that the deed be set aside.

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: As a song author, how can I protect a song without having to initially copyright it?

Fees to copyright songs have risen greatly. While one can copyright a batch of songs (10) to save on fees I am looking for an alternative. As a song author, how can I protect a song without having to initially copyright it?

If the interest was to be had in a particular work I'd... Read more »

Linda Liang
Linda Liang
answered on Oct 22, 2021

Registration is voluntary. Copyright exists from the moment the work is created. You will have to register, however, if you wish to bring a lawsuit for infringement of a U.S. work.

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