New Albany, IN asked in Copyright and Trademark for Indiana

Q: Is it legal to use an image (such as a sign from a store from the 1900s) on a t-shirt that I intend to sell?

Wondering if I can use the logo or image from a business that has been defunct for a long time on t-shirts that I'm selling online.

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1 Lawyer Answer
Glenn B. Manishin
Glenn B. Manishin
Answered
  • Intellectual Property Lawyer
  • Warrenton, VA

A: It is unlikely, especially if the store is defunct, that anyone current holds a trademark to the logo or company name on the sign. You would be best advised to conduct a trademark search (federal and state) or have one done for you by the many online services offering that function.

Will Blackton agrees with this answer

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