Lawyers, Answer Questions  & Get Points Log In
Iowa Intellectual Property Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Iowa on
Q: Is it legal to use Marvel characters on a poster - and sell them?

Given the Marvel cinematic universe, I would create a comic book-style poster in both cinematic and chronological order. The posters would have the characters, quotes, and small details that can be seen in the movies - such as 'I am Iron Man', or the New Asgard town sign. The art style... View More

Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
answered on Aug 8, 2023

This product is likely to be found infringing of Marvel's copyrights as well as trademarks. The characters are all protected by copyright, and most of them are trademarks as well. Compiling several of them adds fuel to the fire and shows predatory intent which could subject you to punitive damages.

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Iowa on
Q: Is it legal to use Marvel characters on a poster - and sell them?

Given the Marvel cinematic universe, I would create a comic book-style poster in both cinematic and chronological order. The posters would have the characters, quotes, and small details that can be seen in the movies - such as 'I am Iron Man', or the New Asgard town sign. The art style... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 15, 2023

Using Marvel characters on a poster and selling them without proper authorization could potentially infringe on Marvel's intellectual property rights, including their copyrights and trademarks. Even if the art style is different, using recognizable elements, quotes, and details from the Marvel... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Intellectual Property and Patents (Intellectual Property) for Iowa on
Q: I need to know if this is breaching a Patent.

For school, I am planning a a Solar Array for the roof a vehicle such as a Pickup Truck or Van. My idea is similar to an existing patent, Patent Publication Number 20180175785, however my idea is smaller in size, by more than half, and designed for a different purpose, renewable energy generation... View More

Liliana Di Nola-Baron
Liliana Di Nola-Baron
answered on Sep 2, 2021

The issue is how different is your invention from other products claimed in patents and patent applications, or disclosed in the literature. You should consult a patent attorney to assist you with a patentability evaluation of your product.

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Intellectual Property and Tax Law for Iowa on
Q: I am disabled I got a letter say I had to pay the last half of my property tax by may 15 or the sell what can I do

I paied the first half and wont have the money for the last half till June 3

D. Mathew Blackburn
D. Mathew Blackburn
answered on May 2, 2019

Call the county assessor and tell them you need more time to pay the tax. They'll tell you your options.

Or hire an attorney.

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Civil Litigation, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Iowa on
Q: Who owner the ampersand mark? Please refer to all information in registered trademark 86905207, from the USPTO website.

I asked for the ownership of this mark from its creation. Please validate.

Ahaji Kirk Amos
Ahaji Kirk Amos
answered on Mar 21, 2019

I don't understand the question.

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Intellectual Property and Trademark for Iowa on
Q: If a trademark saying was active but has now been abandoned, can I step in and take over with a similar trademark?

Trademark taken by another person/company: Live by the seed of your plants

Our trademark: We live by the seeds of our plants

Andrew Zulieve
Andrew Zulieve
answered on Nov 3, 2018

If the trademark was registered with the U.S. Trademark Office, but the status of the registration is listed as abandoned, that does not necessarily mean that the trademark is no longer in use in commerce and abandoned within that context. It may still be in use in commerce and protected under... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Internet Law for Iowa on
Q: Can I post a free Lord of the Rings themed game on the internet without infringing copyright?

I invented a game that me and my friends play. It is an Lord of the Rings themed game that mostly merely uses LOTR races (i.e. Ents, Hobbits, etc.). Can I post it on the internet totally free without violating copyright.

Will Blackton
Will Blackton
answered on Jun 23, 2017

While I am a big fan of Tolkein and gaming, I don't think posting your game online is wise without talking to an attorney first. Whether you potentially infringe on any copyright or trademark interest that Middle-earth Enterprises a/k/a The Saul Zaetz Company (which seems to own the worldwide... View More

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.