Get free answers to your Copyright legal questions from lawyers in your area.
In the US (specifically Arizona), if you create intellectual property (e.g. website, social media channels and 3rd party sales channels) as a volunteer (I was a volunteer in a business my husband was a co-owner in, I was not paid, wasn't asked to do create the IP nor directed in any way and... View More 
answered on Jul 23, 2021
Depends on any communications or agreement.
Most likely any creation would be considered as a gift.
Depending on the value of the creation an attorney can advise you on what to do
I am a pro se Plaintiff in a federal copyright case. The Judge is denying me the right to depose the Defendant (an entity) under Rule 30(b)(6). Is this allowable? How is it that I can be restricted from deposing the other party?
answered on Jun 8, 2021
Looks like you need to consult with an attorney.
Deposition is a procedural technique, and you need to follow some protocols, so check what the process is and make sure you are following it.
We are wondering what liability can come from this? We do not currently make money from the internet and are just making interesting videos. The contract says we grant non-exclusive license. We're fine giving it away for free but since we don't make money from this, we just want to make... View More
answered on Mar 8, 2021
An Arizona attorney could advise best, but your post remains open for four weeks. Because of its complexity and detail, this could be a difficult post for an attorney to respond to without knowing more information, and likely seeing the agreement you mention. If you continue not to get a response,... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 26, 2021
I am not exactly sure what your question is, but are you referring to using the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders for commercial products? If that is the question, I would be very careful, you can run into potential problems including with "right of publicity" claims from the individual... View More
answered on Dec 28, 2020
Depends on how similar it is.
You should consult with an attorney.
I am unfamiliar with copyright laws so I needed help with several questions regarding copyright and fair use. If I make a video review of a video game, am I allowed to use music from that game in the video for the purpose of review/critique? Is it fair use? If not, how can I contact these companies... View More
answered on Dec 27, 2020
The default is you should not use any content without permission.
Consult with an attorney for specific guidance on your risks of using any portions of other people's content.
I am starting an art opinion blog, writing about museums, galleries, and exhibitions. I take my own photos of the artwork in these spaces when allowed. I would like to post these pictures on my blog to add detail but am worried about the legality of posting pictures of someone else's... View More
answered on Oct 20, 2020
This will most likely fall within the exception of "fair use" in copyright law, but be sure to check to see if some of sculptures are also subject to a trademark registration (see, e.g., Space Needle, Golden Gate Bridge).
Also check the Terms of Entry with every single museum to... View More
I have a eyelash line and I want to change my packaging. The packaging would look like the skittles design, the rainbow and all that but the name on on the package would say lashbites instead of skittles. Same for sourpatchkids, airheads, lifesavers. Every package will have that design but the... View More
answered on Oct 4, 2020
This is most certainly not okay.
You are running the risk of infringing upon the trademark, trade dress, and copyright rights of all of these brands. Even if the name is different, if you utilize packaging "look and feel" and/or artwork from another, you will have a very high... View More
Four months prior to filing my lawsuit as a pro se litigant, I wrote a letter to the company I am now suing requesting preservation of ESI (in particular, security video). I also sent a second notice months after the filing of the case. Both letters were sent via certified mail. That security video... View More
answered on Sep 24, 2020
Well, this isn't really a copyright question, but an evidentiary question. The failure to preserve or produce relevant evidence in a civil case can have consequences to the party who failed to preserve/produce. The legal concept is called spoliation. You should research that topic to... View More
This company don't have a website, is it a scam? They said they are new. They said I can make an offer, for the photo used in a blog, which seems odd???
answered on Aug 6, 2020
It may help to request the contact information for their attorney so that you can give that information to your attorney to contact that attorney's law firm directly.
I wrote/directed/produced/music/vfx edit/casting/ created my whole short film. They sent me a denial letter saying because I had actors in my short film, that I couldn't get my copy certificate through the single application, if I disagree with their terms, I can resubmit with a fee of $350. I... View More
answered on Apr 19, 2020
Did you really do it with the US copyright office?
or a third party that does the filing for you?
It is possible that you need releases from the people in the movie, as well as list what other copyrighted material you may be using.
$350 sounds a reasonable price, it will... View More
I'm about to purchase a few images and logos for my small start up business online and the seller is a freelancer from overseas I want to make sure the photos or images are not stolen or I think the term is copyrighted by anyone else before I use them online for my business is there a way to do this
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 27, 2020
If you can save a JPEG of the photo, you can drop it into the Google images search bar and see if there are other images out there like it. Unfortunately, searching the Copyright Office's website is not as user-friendly as the USPTO's website. I can assist you in doing a comprehensive... View More
I have a blog. I'd like to compile a resource with the jists of popular books in my niche, their main points, my experience with applying what they teach, and highlight practical ways to apply it (more or less). I'd like to sell these as downloadable pdfs. I'd imagine I may run into... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 12, 2020
Hello,
If you intend to do synopses (of sorts) accompanied by your opinions based on your experiences, it is not likely that you will face copyright issues. Your papers should not contain materials such as charts, graphs, graphics, etc. found in the works on which you are opining.... View More
answered on Nov 9, 2019
Yes, this happens routinely in the course of litigation. Good luck
Tim Akpinar
In music, if the agreement is non exclusive where they get the publishing and you retain your writers (for music licensing), how will companies/Ascap etc know when YOU got something placed as opposed to the company you sign this type of deal with? So you get your writers and publishers share when... View More
answered on Oct 25, 2019
Your question is confusing.
The collection of royalties can be accomplished in several ways. Directly negotiating and collecting with every organization, or using some of the agencies that exist that license and charge for your music, lyrics, etc directly. They then distribute the money.... View More
answered on Sep 11, 2019
It is suspended.
There are two more applications using similar name for similar application. This application will be processed once the two in front of it are disposed of.
If you need any specific help make an appointment for an in depth consultation.
I want to incorporate the names of the local universities mascots into my designs. I have already contacted the 4 major Az universities and they are interested but they suggested I contact companies that already have their permission/ license to print to save me money because of the Universities... View More
answered on Sep 23, 2018
Copyright protects original works of authorship, whereas a trademark protects words, phrases, symbols, or designs identifying the source of the goods or services of one party and distinguishing them from those of others.
If you haven't done so, you should register your copyright with... View More
answered on May 20, 2018
Trademarks protect brands, not copyrights. A trademark protects the use of the brand in the particular industries, or classes, listed on the trademark registration. Here is a resource: https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/trademark-classes.html
We made custom furniture for a client, named collection after her, took pictures of final product in their backyard. Year later customer asking to remove those pictures from our web site and social media accounts, as she says it invades her privacy. The client's last name or location of the... View More
answered on May 9, 2018
Maybe. Read this helpful resource on the subject: https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ30.pdf
It would not be a product line, but simply applied to existing products that I would buy at wholesale, then resell at retail. The appeal would be in the applique, more than on the vehicle that carries it.
answered on Apr 1, 2018
What you are describing is best protected with trademark, not copyright. You are describing selling products with a particular name/phrase/slogan attached to them, which is precisely what trademarks protect. The fact that you buy the products from a vendor doesn't change it because, as you... 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.
