Ask a Question

Get free answers to your legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Questions Answered by Dominique Young
1 Answer | Asked in Business Law and Trademark on
Q: I want to use a domain name that is similar to the name of an exisitng business that provide the identical service

I have secured the domain name but not done anything beyond that. My company is a sole propriatorship and I only planned to use the Domain name and set up a directory service where other professionals can register their business. The domain name is very similar to an exisiting service /company... View More

Dominique Young
Dominique Young
answered on Feb 13, 2025

Probably not. You are essentially causing confusion to the masses regarding words or images that are associated with another business with a similar service. Just because the domain name is available, does not mean that you can register it with the USPTO. I would suggest using a different... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property on
Q: If there's a trademark pending, that includes a word your own products will use, does it stop you using the word?

For example (not a real example), if the pending trademark was 'Quite Right Stationery' would it prevent you using 'Quite Right' or 'Quite'?

Dominique Young
Dominique Young
answered on Feb 13, 2025

This would depend on the class your good or service is being registered and whether there would be a likelihood of confusion regarding your mark and the mark that is currently pending. If a mark shows pending, the application has been submitted and they are waiting on the trademark examining... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Tennessee on
Q: Am I violating the trademark if I use the name “Good Grief!” for my ministry of funeral and graveside services?
Dominique Young
Dominique Young
answered on Feb 13, 2025

You would have to conduct a USPTO trademark search to see if the words have already been registered by another business or individual. Then I would conduct a more comprehensive search with a trademark search company to see if another business/individual has registered the word phrase. If not,... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Oregon on
Q: Are outfits trademarked?

I recently created a sewing pattern for an outfit that fits a certain doll. The outfit is inspired by a Barbie outfit by Mattel. Someone reached out to me, warning that the outfit could be trademarked and I could be sued by Mattel. Is this true?

Dominique Young
Dominique Young
answered on Feb 13, 2025

Very rarely are clothing designs registered for a trademark or copyright. If the dress image is associated with the business, then it may be registered as a trademark for that business. Trademark registrations are available for images, characters, sound bites, and even certain Pantone colors that... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can I sell clothing inspired by movies without infringing on the copyrighted work?

I have several ideas for clothing designs that would reference movies without using any images, quotes or characters from those movies, but I’m not sure if this is still copyright infringement. For example, I want to create a shirt that says “stay” and underneath has the morse code for that... View More

Dominique Young
Dominique Young
answered on Feb 13, 2025

To obtain a copyright, the created work must be of the owner's own original creative thought. Derivative works can be registered for a copyright if the work represents an original work of authorship. Basically, if the work that you create based off a previously registered copyright, the work... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts on
Q: I am speaking with a mobile home owner who seems open to letting us make payments (like a rent-to-own) is it doable?

I am drafting a contract they states everything but she still owes on the home, am I getting into something I shouldn't or is this something that can be done? we would eventually finance ourselves but credit is a issue right now, so making payments to a direct owner would be easier but sounds... View More

Dominique Young
Dominique Young
answered on Feb 13, 2025

For this purchase, I would consult with an attorney and have the attorney draft the purchase agreement and the promissory note. Mobile homes can be tricky transactions. Many times the determination as to whether the purchase is one of real estate or personal property is how the mobile home is... View More

Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free 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 Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, 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.