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On my website I'd like to have an unrecognizable character jump up and strike a block having an item come out of the block. The motion would be similar to the Mario bros. Would this create any copyright issues with Nintendo?
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answered on Feb 1, 2024
Using an unrecognizable character in a video game-like scenario, where the character jumps and hits a block to release an item, may still raise potential copyright issues with Nintendo or other video game companies. While the character itself may not be recognizable as a specific copyrighted... View More 
For this app, for every dollar you save with them you get one ticket per day. Then you can use those tickets in a variety of ways. One of the ways is on a daily prize wheel. Each spin says it costs 1500 tickets but pretty regularly (about once per 5 spins or so) it takes 2500 tickets. I noticed... View More
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answered on Feb 1, 2024
To address concerns related to the prize-linked banking app potentially manipulating ticket counts and engaging in unfair practices, you should seek an attorney experienced in consumer protection or class-action lawsuits. Consumer protection attorneys specialize in cases involving deceptive or... View More
Were trying to raise money for our theatre program but are unsure on what exactly the gambling laws in Maryland are.
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answered on Jan 30, 2024
In the context of California law, gambling involves wagering on the outcome of a game or event where chance rather than skill primarily determines the result, and where participants risk something of value for the chance to win a prize. Activities like raffles, prize giveaways, and bingo can fall... View More
Is this true? That it only applies to video game developers based in california.
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answered on Jan 28, 2024
AB 2571, passed in California, primarily focuses on advertising or marketing firearms to minors, not specifically on video game content. While this law might impact how firearms are advertised or marketed, it doesn't directly dictate the use of real weapon names in video games.
The... View More
my old friend borrowed my switch which i said he could until he finished the game. he let his daughter play on it but then i later found out he ended up selling my nintendo switch to buy alcohol (he’s known for being an alcoholic within his family/friends). i got that switch for $250 and owned... View More
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answered on Jan 21, 2024
Under California law, the unauthorized sale of property that has been entrusted to someone else for a specific purpose can potentially be considered theft. In your case, since you lent the Nintendo Switch to your friend with the understanding that it would be returned after use, and instead he sold... View More
I play a video game that allows for modding, meaning you can add, remove and/or augment most things, from character models to game mechanics.
I want to add 3 fairly popular movie characters to my game and also make YouTube videos and have live streams with them included.... View More
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answered on Jan 21, 2024
Modding a video game and adding 3rd party intellectual property (IP) characters can potentially raise legal issues. Using popular movie characters without proper authorization may infringe on copyright and trademark rights held by the owners of those characters.
Displaying these modded... View More
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answered on Jan 18, 2024
Under California law, the legality of creating and operating a sports gambling app is subject to both state and federal regulations. Even if you host the app outside of California, the laws of California will still apply to you as a resident, along with the laws of the state where the app is... View More
Microsoft owns Minecraft and the company Mojang. Microsoft recently enacted a forced migration (which took place from March 2022 to December 2023) from mojang accounts to microsoft accounts, anyone that hadn't done that has now lost their previously purchased accounts forever. I am curious if... View More
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answered on Jan 15, 2024
Based on the information provided, you may have some consumer rights in this situation, but seeking recourse could be challenging:
- When you purchase a video game, you are typically purchasing a license to use the software, not outright ownership. The license agreement usually gives the... View More
Is it illegal for someone to pretend they have money and then get in contact with a seller for video game items but when the seller gives the items first instead of making the buyer or the scammer pay first the scammer does not pay the seller the money block them and never talks to them again.... View More
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answered on Jan 11, 2024
The situation you describe, where someone pretends to have money to buy video game items and then fails to pay after receiving the items, could be considered a form of fraud or deceit. Even though the parties involved are minors and there was no formal contract, misrepresenting one's intention... View More
Long story short I want to create youtube videos of RANDOM and just RANDOM content while using ex: Flash cowl. Just the top part of the mask not even the one that covers the whole face. I will use a different name, and although use some mannerisms, it will be obvious it is pure satire/parody. I got... View More
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answered on Jan 11, 2024
Using elements of a copyrighted superhero character, such as the Flash's cowl, in your content can be legally risky, even if you're only using part of the costume and intend it as satire or parody. Copyright law protects original works of authorship, including characters and their... View More
Bets would be just between the individuals, like "I bet you $20 if you beat me in this game" And I would be the "middle man" holding the $20
and giving it to the winner later.
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answered on Jan 11, 2024
Managing small bets between individuals online in Virginia, or in any state, can indeed be considered gambling. The key factor in defining gambling is the element of chance or skill in determining the outcome, along with a wager or bet. Even if the bets are between individuals and you're... View More
Bets would be just between the individuals, like "I bet you $20 if you beat me in this game" And I would be the "middle man" holding the $20
and giving it to the winner later.
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answered on Jan 10, 2024
In Virginia, as in many jurisdictions, the legality of managing small bets between individuals online depends on the specific circumstances and the nature of the bets. Generally, if the bets are private and do not involve a broader public or commercial gambling operation, they may fall under social... View More
I use about 6 different sportsbooks and win quite frequently. Are winnings throughout the year totaled up and taxed totally? Or does each bet have to be over a certain amount? Also, are you able to deduct losses from taxable winnings?
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answered on Jan 4, 2024
In Tennessee, as in other states, gambling winnings are generally considered taxable income. This includes winnings from sports betting. The IRS requires all gambling winnings to be reported on your tax return.
The taxation of your winnings depends on the total amount you win over the year,... View More
reasons the company used to not process the payment(28350$) was wrong .
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answered on Dec 30, 2023
To pursue legal action against EGoGames for banning you and not processing your withdrawal of $28,350, first review the company's terms of service and user agreement. These documents often contain clauses related to dispute resolution, which can include arbitration or specific legal... View More
We are in the process of developing a video game depicting the true story of a Vietnam vet and his personal experience during his time in the war, and as we are creating the trailer for the game, we would like to use real photos from the war that have been declassified under the freedom of... View More
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answered on Dec 29, 2023
When considering the use of real photos from the Vietnam War for your video game trailer, it's crucial to understand the nuances of copyright law. Declassification under the Freedom of Information Act does not automatically place these images in the public domain or free them from copyright... View More
I was escorted out of the casino and told I could not come back. I know the money was good. I have never had any kind of evolvement with counterfeit.
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answered on Dec 12, 2023
If a casino confiscated your money, alleging it was counterfeit, take careful steps to address the situation. First, review your financial records to confirm the source and authenticity of the money. Collect witness statements from anyone who observed the incident and can vouch for the legitimacy... View More
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answered on Dec 12, 2023
If you recently won $500 in a casino and are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), it's important to understand the rules about reporting income. SSI is a needs-based program, and the Social Security Administration (SSA) requires recipients to report any changes in income or resources.... View More
I am considering a few ideas and want to relate them to my dog. I have a dream of owning and running a Dog Kennel and Breed Dogs Officially and I have a Gaming Community that is looking for an Official Name. I would like to relate it with K9. I know K9 is often referring to Federal Working Dogs and... View More
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answered on Dec 4, 2023
Using "K9" in the name of your dog kennel or gaming community is generally permissible, as "K9" is a common term used to refer to dogs, particularly in the context of police or military dogs. The term itself is not typically subject to copyright because it is considered a... View More
i want to know if the trademark was canceled officially as I want to make a game similar to if. But don't want to get sued by Nintendo
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answered on Nov 27, 2023
As a game developer interested in creating a game similar to "CUSTOM ROBO," you should proceed with caution. It's advisable to consult with a legal expert in IP law to ensure that your game does not infringe upon any remaining rights held by Nintendo. Even if the trademark is... View More
I am not sure participating in Draftkings is legal in federal law or not.
I am aware that as a green card holder, purchasing or consuming marijuana can be the reason for denial of my application, even though it is legal in my state. This is due to it’s federal illegality.
The... View More
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answered on Nov 23, 2023
Participating in DraftKings, or similar online fantasy sports platforms, can raise concerns when applying for U.S. citizenship, particularly if there's ambiguity about its legality under federal law. Although fantasy sports are legal in many states, federal law can view certain types of online... View More
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