Get free answers to your Copyright legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I'm planning on publishing the book as an e-book. Anyone reading the book will quickly understand that it's satire and is not meant to be taken as a factual, so I'm not worried about legal issues with the actual content, but I'm wondering about author names. The content of the... View More 
answered on Oct 2, 2015
There are problems with false attribution, too many to start listing here. It might be possible to use disclaimers with respect to use of the person's name. However, even if it might be possible, it would have to be done in compliance with laws and legal precedent. The difficulty is compounded... View More
Hello!
Is it illegal to use real teams and professional players names in my upcoming Fantasy Sports related game?
I must say it is NOT a free game, and i am interested in using player from all over the world, not US based only.
Thank you for your reply!!
answered on Aug 25, 2015
Sounds problematic for various reasons. Talk to a local intellectual property lawyer.
Please Take Notice: I am not your lawyer unless we enter into an engagement agreement in writing. This is general information that is given for legal education only. It is not legal advice, and it may not... View More
Now i'm having a break with that team and they are threatening to sue me if i use the labels. All the correspondence was done through facebook messenger and i have logs of everything said.
She gave them to me for this expressed purpose with a written out understanding many times that... View More
answered on Feb 24, 2016
This would depend on a detailed reading of all of the correspondence to see if any sort of contract or license was created to allow you to use the logo. As a general proposition, the person who creates the work of art owns the copyright. One exception is what is called a work for hire, which may... View More
I wrote from interviews for the purpose of posterity. The person has since died. What is fair compensation to the heirs for use of his story in a book and/or film? (Written on spec.)
answered on Jun 16, 2015
Fair compensation really depends on what the heirs will charge you for use of the person's "name and likeness" as the subject in your novel/film. Depending on your jurisdiction, the heirs may also have the right to prevent circulation of your novel/film without their express... View More
Hello!!! Thank you for the good site!!!
I'm an aspiring film director. I have some questions to you! 1 - I want to use Freddie Mercury image. I know that it's impossible. But what about if I will draw his portrait by myself? Can I use it in my film?
2- the same question... View More
answered on Jun 18, 2015
Use of a celebrities image (whether drawn or photographed) may give right to publicity rights claims, depending on the jurisdiction of use. Many states, including CA and NY have state law protecting the rights of individuals to control the use of their name and likeness. Some of these laws even... View More
It wouldn't just be the phrase. Maybe something like "I AM THE WALKING DEAD"
Thank you.
answered on Mar 2, 2015
Disclaimer: The materials provided below are informational and should not be relied upon as legal advice.
You should find out if anyone has a claim to that phrase. There are professional firms that can assist with a trademark search. Be sure to consult your own attorney to protect your... View More
I'm only being paid a small stipend with no other benefits. I generally am able to choose which assignments to pursue. I use my own equipment, edit the photos on my own time, in my own space. I have not signed any agreements, and certainly not one that specified made for hire.
answered on Sep 4, 2014
Yes, as the creator, you own the copyrights to photos you've taken. However, you may have lost your rights when you published them without a copyright notice, or you may have ceded them by allowing the newspaper to copyright them.
You should have a lawyer-prepared contract with the... View More
I want to create an online storage but if the user upload copyright material such as Music/Video file,will it put me in risk as developer?
an other question:if i offered a facility that the user could share files but no publicly,such as dropbox you can just share with several contacts,will... View More
answered on Sep 4, 2014
It depends! This is a minefield, so tread very carefully, and preferably with guidance from a good internet and copyright lawyer. Here are some of the laws and issues to consider:
If the service actively encourages users to upload copyrighted music and videos, then it could be found liable... View More
answered on Apr 22, 2011
No. Names cannot be registered for copyright.
You could register it as a trademark though, if you plan on using it to identify goods or services.
answered on Feb 17, 2011
The easiest, cheapest, and best way would be to ask the copyright holder for permission. However, they may not respond, or ask an exorbitant amount of money. But, you could always make your own music to use...
This is not legal advice, please do not treat it as such. Make sure to contact a... View More
I'm being sued by a copyright troll and want to document the process on my website. However, I don't want to get sued for posting court documents online.
Does it make any difference if I am the plaintiff, defendant, or an uninterested third-party?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 14, 2013
Depends on what the document is. Judicial opinions and orders from Federal Judges are not copyrighted, as it is Federal work product. For state judicial opinions and orders, the courts have not allowed an enforceable copyright. Recently some lawyers sued West and Lexis for having their briefs as... 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.
