Lawyers, Answer Questions  & Get Points Log In
Minnesota Intellectual Property Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Minnesota on
Q: I want to use a section of a song with the lyrics removed and dubbed over audio of my student film, is it fair use?
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 4, 2024

Using a section of a song in your student film, even with the lyrics removed and dubbed over, can be complex when considering fair use provisions. Fair use is determined by factors such as the purpose and character of your use, the nature of the copyrighted work, the amount and substantiality of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Intellectual Property and Trademark for Minnesota on
Q: To use the term “Swim A Thon” as a fund raiser, do we need any sort of consent or permission?

We are doing a fund raiser for our local pool. Some wish to call it Swim A Thon…while others fear that using that term could get us into some legal trouble???

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 27, 2024

Using the term "Swim A Thon" for your fundraiser requires a bit of caution due to potential trademark issues. Trademarks protect brand names, slogans, and other identifiers from being used without permission, especially if they could cause confusion among the public or imply an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Minnesota on
Q: A person warned that he would proceed legal action on a product that has no trademark. Is he delusional?

A person created a video game addon for certain vehicles. He removed his first version to replace it with something unstable. He is sending threats to people who share this first version of that said addon that is stable with legal action cases. But he lacks a trade mark and a license for his... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 25, 2024

Understanding the legal nuances in such a situation is important. Even without a formal trademark or license, creators can have rights to their original work under copyright law. Copyright protection is automatic upon the creation of an original work fixed in a tangible medium of expression. This... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Patents (Intellectual Property) and Intellectual Property for Minnesota on
Q: how to find Law Firm who wrote the Patent"
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 15, 2023

If you're looking to find the law firm responsible for drafting a particular patent, start by examining the patent's face page. Often, the patent attorneys or agents responsible for the application are listed there. If that doesn't provide the information, you can check the United... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Patents (Intellectual Property) and Intellectual Property for Minnesota on
Q: how to find Law Firm who wrote the Patent"
Kevin E. Flynn
PREMIUM
Kevin E. Flynn
answered on Oct 12, 2023

The name of the firm that is on the issued patent is not always the firm that wrote the patent application as sometimes the patent application moves from one firm to another during the time that the application is pending (such as when a company is sold or even when just the patent application is... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Minnesota on
Q: Are there certain handmade macrame styles/ designs patented that others can't practice and sell? Is there a listavailabl

Can I make and sell macrame products learn from media and macrame books to sell? If there are patented designs, how do I check to avoid using it for business?

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

Macramé, as an ancient form of textile craft, has countless designs and patterns that have been practiced for centuries. Many basic macramé designs are likely not patented due to their age and widespread use. However, specific modern designs or innovative techniques might be protected, not... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Minnesota on
Q: I'm interested in trademarking my adult video game under my LLC. Does anyone with experience in both have advice? Thanks

I'm looking to trademark my adult video game under my LLC. Seeking advice from experienced professionals in both areas. Serious responses only please. I'm interested in a long term situation. I've already filed one, but due to a name change, I might need to file again as my previous... 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 29, 2023

If you've undergone a name change for your adult video game, you'll likely need to file a new trademark application, as significant amendments to the mark itself are generally not permitted under existing applications. Given the specific industry you're in, make sure the trademark... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Minnesota on
Q: I'm interested in trademarking my adult video game under my LLC. Does anyone with experience in both have advice? Thanks

I'm looking to trademark my adult video game under my LLC. Seeking advice from experienced professionals in both areas. Serious responses only please. I'm interested in a long term situation. I've already filed one, but due to a name change, I might need to file again as my previous... View More

Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
answered on Aug 23, 2023

The proposed mark should be carefully researched to assure that it is not confusingly similar to any other mark already used in gaming, then an intent-to-use application should promptly be filed before the game is actively marketed. It may also be wise to include a graphic element to a text-only... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Minnesota on
Q: Can I use Twin Cities in my business name?
T. Augustus Claus
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 16, 2023

Using "Twin Cities" in your business name could potentially lead to trademark issues, as the term may be associated with the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area in Minnesota. If your business operates within or serves this region, using "Twin Cities" in your name might... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Minnesota on
Q: Can a theme of a business mention another business name or products unrelated to the industry?

I’d like to start a car-themed coffee company which would include images, logos, and names of car manufacturers. Would I need the permissions of the companies first?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 29, 2023

Using the images, logos, and names of car manufacturers in a car-themed coffee company without their permission could potentially be a trademark infringement. It is advisable to seek legal advice or contact the car manufacturers to obtain their permission before using their trademarks or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Entertainment / Sports, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Minnesota on
Q: Is there a way I can stop a former employer from using pictures and videos that I am in?

I worked at a haunted house and these are pictures and videos of my characters used on their website and social media.

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

If you are no longer employed by the haunted house and you did not sign any agreement that allows them to use your image or likeness, you may be able to take action to stop them from using your pictures and videos. Here are some steps you can take:

Send a cease and desist letter: You can...
View More

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Minnesota on
Q: I resell phone cases with animetrd pictures of popular band can I be sued for copyright infringement

And does the fact that they are band is based in another country change things

Marcos Garciaacosta
Marcos Garciaacosta
answered on May 29, 2021

If you do not have a license to put the band there, yes you could be sued.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Intellectual Property for Minnesota on
Q: I am listed as an inventor on my former employers patents. can i sell those rights to others.

My position was eliminated by new management. In 2018 the former GM asked for my assignment signature. I told him I was not comfortable doing that working for him for 36 years and He soon to retire (since deceased) that as long as I was employed I would not take issue with not assigning my rights.... View More

Marcos Garciaacosta
Marcos Garciaacosta
answered on Jan 13, 2021

Check your contracts including anything you signed upon your departure.

Most of the time you grant any creation to your company.

You are the inventor. Depends on how the invention was registered you may have some rights or none.

Best luck.

1 Answer | Asked in Intellectual Property for Minnesota on
Q: My live in boyfriend moved out of my property can he return whenever he wants?
Allison Higgins
Allison Higgins
answered on Nov 19, 2020

Hi there. This section in for intelelctual property questions such as trademark, copyright, and patents. You may want to re-post your question in a different section such as landlord/tenent law or family law. Sorry about the confusion.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Collections, Intellectual Property and Small Claims for Minnesota on
Q: Best way to go about this

I bought my stepmom car for 2000.. and today she showed up with the police claiming that I never paid her anything and she wants the car back. She had the car towed off my property...

I have text messages from her saying the price of the car, me giving her mom, and are agreement... View More

Marcos Garciaacosta
Marcos Garciaacosta
answered on Jan 5, 2020

consult a local attorney, you can try this in small claims depending on your jurisdiction

make sure you have all documented and printed for presenting to the court

1 Answer | Asked in Intellectual Property, Patents (Intellectual Property) and Trademark for Minnesota on
Q: had an invention that was seen on the internet recently...took a while but finally saw the invention or one similar...

need to know what can be done to help me on this situation...

Peter D. Mlynek
Peter D. Mlynek
answered on Dec 6, 2019

This happens, unfortunately, all the time.

If you have a patent on your invention, then go see a patent litigator to give you options on how to get some sort of licensing agreement of your patent in place, or to file a suit.

Good luck!

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Patents (Intellectual Property) for Minnesota on
Q: Would a US Patent only cover my rights in the US or could I use a patent cooperation treaty with a US patent to further

Protect my rights.

Ahaji Kirk Amos
Ahaji Kirk Amos
answered on Jul 22, 2019

A US patent is valid only in the US. You can use a PCT application, if you are still within the time limits, to file in other PCT countries. That requires a new application.

View More Answers

Q: Does this form of business protect my right internationally, to say I patent articles under the name of the corporation
Kevin E. Flynn
PREMIUM
Kevin E. Flynn
answered on Jul 8, 2019

We do not have an option for an international patent. (Yes, I know many people write that they have an international patent, but they are wrong). We have a type of patent application that is the front end for many patent system. This is called a Patent Cooperation Treaty Application (PCT... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Minnesota on
Q: If I created a design/logo for shirts. Should I get copy right, trademark or both? Another ? added to more infor section

Also, the design/logo includes words. So, if I change the words color and/or font does it still protect under the copyright/trademark law still? Even if I submit something to the copyright/trademark in black font and a specific font.

Sean Erin Serraguard
Sean Erin Serraguard
answered on Apr 18, 2019

Based on the facts we have, it sounds like a trademark. Specificaly, it sounds like two trademarks, a word (standard character) mark containing just the characters and a design (special form) mark containing the logo. Remember that trademarks/service marks are for distinguishing goods and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Intellectual Property for Minnesota on
Q: Riding dirtbike on someone private property, I didn’t know. They use force to make me leave it gets violent, details

On private property I didn’t know on my dirtbike. Man runs out and tries to push me off of my bike. That’s illegal right? Don’t they have to ask me to leave first? Then if I don’t they can use minimal force right? Also if they come out and stop me in my tracks there not aloud to just start... View More

Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Jan 18, 2019

It's difficult to answer detailed hypothetical questions in the absence of context. You might try a phone call instead. It doesn't seem that you are charged with a crime. So it does not look like a criminal law question. If you're charged with a crime, that usually defines the... 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.