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Company paid Artist for the mural. Contract states work is own by the company. Company wishes to merchandise the Mural image, (t shirts, postcards, keychain). The mural contains a Dodger player. Is the company allow to Merchandise, or company need license form MLB team.
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answered on Jun 19, 2024
Based on the information provided, there are a few key legal considerations:
1. Copyright ownership: If the contract clearly states that the company owns the rights to the mural, then the company likely holds the copyright to the artistic elements of the mural created by the artist.... View More 
For an example, there's a Warner Brothers cartoon from 1932 called "The Shanty Where Santy Claus Lives." Warner Brothers never renewed copyright on the cartoon, so now it is public domain. But could an artist perform a cover version of the title song from the cartoon without paying... View More
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answered on Jun 15, 2024
Even if a film has entered the public domain, this does not necessarily mean that all of the creative elements within the film, such as songs, are also in the public domain. Songs and musical compositions can be separately copyrighted from the film itself.
In the specific example you... View More
In the 80's, prints of the public domain film, Night of the Living Dead, were only available in low resolution. Now, that same feature can be seen in high definition. I realize no one "owns" public domain material, but is there any protection against appropriation of published... View More
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answered on Jun 10, 2024
No, an individual cannot appropriate public domain films shown on TV or published on DVD without permission from the publisher, even if the underlying film itself is in the public domain. Here's why:
While it's true that no one owns the copyright to the original public domain work... View More
If I make a coloring book called "the unofficial [famous furniture company] coloring book without using any of the company's products and adding a disclaimer, can I be sued just for using the company name? Instead of using real products from said company, each page features a ridiculous... View More
answered on May 30, 2024
A parody can be a fair use under the Copyright Act, meaning the creator of the parody does not need the permission of the owner of the copyright in the earlier work. The fair use doctrine also allows for the use of a trademark in a parody if it is used for commentary, criticism, new reporting,... View More
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answered on May 24, 2024
In California, for evidence to be admissible in small claims court, it must be relevant, reliable, and not overly prejudicial. If the defendant cannot access the evidence on a USB drive, you should ensure that the court can view the evidence in an alternative way, such as printed copies or... View More
POOPSI with the PEPSI logo 2. Can I copyright my parody so no one can steal idea
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answered on May 14, 2024
I will do my best to provide helpful information while being careful not to reproduce any copyrighted material. Here are a few key points regarding your questions:
1. Using a trademarked logo like Pepsi's in a parody is considered fair use in many cases, meaning you likely don't... View More
1) I want to create a few original designs inspired by Harry Styles' recent world tour called Love on Tour. Of course I would never use his name in the designs or advertisement, but is this illegal? Love on Tour itself is not trademarked as far as I have seen, but will I run into problems?... View More
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answered on May 6, 2024
I can provide some general guidance on your questions, but please keep in mind that intellectual property law can be complex and fact-specific, so you may want to consult an attorney for definitive advice tailored to your specific situation.
1. Using elements inspired by an artist's... View More
For example, Lets say League of Legends has a character who has red hair and is dressed as a pirate. If I make a similar character and post graphic content around that (privately). Could they take legal action against me? What if I don't mention the characters name?
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answered on May 6, 2024
This is a complex legal question that involves intellectual property (IP) law, specifically copyright and trademark issues. Let me break this down:
1. Copyright: Characters can be protected by copyright if they are sufficiently unique and well-developed. This means that creating a very... View More
During the contract period with the architect I hired, I captured a portion of the floor plan she designed in a photograph. I then created three different options by placing multiple squares over some spaces in the photo, each in different positions, and posted a question on a community website... View More
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answered on Apr 18, 2024
Based on the information provided, it's difficult to determine with certainty whether your actions constituted copyright infringement. However, there are a few key points to consider:
1. Copyright ownership: Generally, the creator of an original work, such as an architectural design,... View More
The website is not for profit. It will be clearly marked as independent and it will be full of news about the car brand: a brand I love.
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answered on Apr 4, 2024
The brand owner (the company that owns the .com website) may be able to take legal action against you for using their trademark in your .org website, even if it is a non-profit enthusiast site. This falls under trademark infringement laws.
Some key points:
1. Trademarks protect... View More
I noticed whenever I or the defendant submit documents the order of the demurrer hearing and case management conference may change. As of now the hearing on demurrer is set to be first with the case management conference to follow. Does this mean anything for me the plaintiff?
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answered on Mar 20, 2024
The order of a case management conference and a demurrer hearing can have procedural implications, but it does not necessarily signify a significant change in how your case will proceed. Typically, a demurrer hearing addresses legal issues regarding the sufficiency of the complaint's... View More
I have been receiving letters from Chinese registry asking if they may use my company's registered name for their client, just with other than .com extension. I have answered that I only keep the xxxxx.com name, which has been registered after my company since 2002, only with other than .com... View More
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answered on Mar 13, 2024
You have certain rights to protect your registered business name and intellectual property. Here are some options you can consider:
1. Trademark protection: If you have registered your business name as a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), you have legal... View More
The problem is that there's a group called NWA, so that's the thing worrying us.
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answered on Mar 8, 2024
Using "NWWA" as your rap group's name when there is already a well-known group called "NWA" does present potential concerns. The proximity in name could lead to confusion or comparisons, potentially affecting how your group is perceived. It's important to consider how... View More
The golf putter brand is PING. I would be adding the manufacturers logo to their own product. I'd be customizing/personalizing the putter for personal use and that is one of the added features I want.
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answered on Mar 8, 2024
In the specific situation you described, adding the "PING" logo to another location on a genuine PING putter for personal use and customization is unlikely to be considered trademark infringement under U.S. law.
Here's why:
1. Genuine product: Since you own an... View More
Just wanted to know
answered on Mar 21, 2024
Not necessarily (although it's possible a congressman/woman could be an author). The Library of Congress is a national library and serves as a research resource for Congress. That's the connection with Congress; not due to authorship. Good luck
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answered on Mar 5, 2024
Using the phrase "That's what she said" as the name for a blog site is generally permissible, as it is a common expression used in various forms of dialogue and humor. The phrase itself is part of public domain and is widely recognized as a colloquial expression rather than a... View More
I recently got a copyright, intellectual property infringement notice, or a DMCA on my product saying it was violating the trademark of a product called tush baby. When I researched the trademark, it said quotation mark baby carriers; baby carriers weren’t on the body; baby carriers were on the... View More
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answered on Feb 22, 2024
Altering the logo and including a disclaimer on your store that it's a different brand might not be sufficient to avoid trademark infringement issues. Trademarks protect brand identifiers that distinguish goods or services from those of others, including logos, names, and even distinctive... View More
Can I file and serve my opposition now or do I need to wait closer to the date?
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answered on Feb 22, 2024
In California, the timing for filing and serving an opposition to a demurrer is governed by specific rules. Generally, your opposition to the demurrer must be filed and served at least nine court days before the scheduled hearing date. This allows the court and the opposing party adequate time to... View More
Concerned about copyright infringement or privacy issues withhomeowner?
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answered on Feb 21, 2024
You would likely be fine here. I will say that, before posting pictures and descriptions of custom homes on your new website, it's important to consider potential legal issues such as copyright infringement and privacy concerns. You likely own the copyright if you, yourself, took the... View More
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answered on Feb 21, 2024
Yes, you automatically own the copyright to any original handouts, drawings, or other educational materials you create as an instructor. Here are some key points about copyright and your teaching materials:
- Your works are protected by copyright from the moment of creation in a fixed,... View More
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