Your current state is Ohio
An example: I have two, entirely separate pieces of software I wrote. One is a closed source, proprietary, compiled C++ program; It hosts a web server that, when connected to, allows two users to play tic tac toe with each other over the internet, or allow a single user to play against a bot. This... View More 
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 28, 2024
In the scenario you've described, the key factor determining whether the closed-source software violates the GPL v3, due to its interaction with the open-source Qt-based client, hinges on the method of communication and integration between the two pieces of software. The GPL v3 is designed to... View More
There is an association that "signed" a contract to a third party that allows for them to have full media rights for any event that the association has. The association has contracts with promoters of an event to bring a show to the event. Does the promoter have to agree in the contract... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 29, 2024
When an association grants exclusive media rights for its events to a third party, it typically means that this third party holds the authority over how any event-related content is distributed, used, or published across various media platforms, including YouTube and Facebook. This arrangement... View More
These are some Examples
A couple of people are kidnapped and they are told that they will have to either survive 10 days or kill each other till 3 are left.
Their dialog is where I am in doubt
"So we are in some mess up real life hunger games, huh?."... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 27, 2024
Mentioning movie names and characters in a book can often fall under what's considered "fair use," especially if they are used in a casual, non-commercial context like in dialogue or as part of a cultural reference. However, the way these references are used is crucial. It's... View More
I have attended the Illinois institute of art Chicago and Western IL University in Macomb I have two kids who are missing and have been strategically denied resources because I've been sharing my experiences with how I was blackmailed and lied on and I'm not a victim by no means but the... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 26, 2024
It sounds like you are going through a very difficult and complex situation. Identity theft, stalking, and harassment are serious issues that require careful legal handling. Considering your circumstances, including the impact on your personal life and your desire to take legal action, seeking... View More
We recently set up an LLC for Salt Life Aesthetics and Specialty Care as well as the domain saltlifecare.com since then we've received both an email and certified letter from Salt Life, LLC demanding we cease and decease using "Salt Life" in our business name. Meanwhile there are... View More
answered on Mar 26, 2024
It depends. A close examination of their request is warranted. If their registered trademark covers the service you provide, and your use of your business name "is likely to cause confusion in the minds of consumers about the source or sponsorship of the goods or services offered under the... View More
I am creating word search books for the American market and was wondering if it is ok to use the names of famous people, such as authors and actors, or the names of games, such as Monopoly in my word lists. They would be factual and not portray anyone/thing in an unfavourable light. The words would... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 26, 2024
When incorporating the names of famous people or trademarks, such as board games, into your word search books intended for the American market, it is crucial to consider intellectual property laws. The use of famous names can be complex due to copyright, trademark, and rights of publicity.... View More
There's a character with the name Olivia Valedstorm. Would using just her last name for a talking sword character or a dragon be grounds for suing?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 26, 2024
Character names can indeed be protected under copyright law if they are distinctive and well-known enough to be associated exclusively with the original work. However, copyright does not protect names, titles, short phrases, or expressions by themselves. It depends on the context and how unique and... View More
I want to build a collection of simple programs that are essentially building blocks to build original programs. An example would be a program that demonstrates multiprocessing with four threads.
answered on Mar 26, 2024
Like many software copyright questions, this one is fun to answer because it implicates the "merger doctrine" of (c) law.
Expressions of ideas have copyright as soon as the expression is made. Ideas themselves cannot have copyright. For example, detailed instructions for making a... View More
I have heard that most people selling fan art are small enough that they never end up getting in trouble, and I watched a lot of youtube videos where they said the most common first response if someone's art gets popular enough to be noticed is to get a 'cease and desist' letter.. is... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 25, 2024
If you've been selling fan art and the copyright holder decides to take action, the initial step they might take is sending a 'cease and desist' letter. This is indeed a common first move. It serves as a formal request to stop the infringing activity. If you comply with this request... View More
Many authors who create books use Canva to create coloring books, activity books, etc. Canva has stated that they hold full copyright over the images, art, photos, fonts, etc. that can be used to create books. In addition, Canva states that they issue individual licenses to self-publishing authors... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 25, 2024
When self-publishing authors use Canva to create elements for their books, such as in coloring books or activity books, they are operating under a license issued by Canva. This means Canva holds the original copyrights to the images, art, photos, and fonts provided within their service. Despite... View More
I am looking to make a clothing item based on an idea from an animated movie but do not want to be sued for copyright infringement. All designs are personally hand-drawn by me but are based on characters from the movie. There are no details in the drawings, just silouettes.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 25, 2024
If you create and sell clothing featuring silhouettes of characters from an animated movie, you could potentially face copyright infringement issues. Copyright law protects original works of authorship, including characters from movies. Even if you've hand-drawn these silhouettes without... View More
There are many books out there describing the meanings etc of the classic 78 tarot cards but it is super hard to actually remember all of the information since it is so isolated.. so I was wondering if I could write a book explaining the meaning of each card by using an examples of characters and... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 24, 2024
When using copyrighted characters and plots, particularly from well-known creations like Miyazaki's films, for your own published works, you're navigating complex copyright laws. These laws typically protect original creative works from being used without permission, especially in... View More
Using "made up names that emphasize the quality of a game or movie without using any words related to trademarks" to refer to that game or movie is more legal than trademark infringement, is it? For instance, calling something "High Grossing Movie about a Memorable President:... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 23, 2024
When dealing with trademarks and references to existing works, it's important to tread carefully. Using "generic original names" to avoid direct mention of a trademarked game or movie can reduce the risk of infringement, but it doesn't make it entirely legal or safe. The concept... View More
answered on Mar 22, 2024
It depends on what license they gave you for the design. Did they give you a license for personal use only or for commercial uses as well? If they did not give you any license at all, it definitely is not a good Idea to sell their work as your own.
If members post pictures of items containing registered trademark brands. Is that a crime?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 22, 2024
The liability of Facebook administrators for content posted in their groups can vary based on local laws and the specific circumstances of the content shared. Generally, administrators are encouraged to monitor and manage their groups to prevent illegal activities, including the unauthorized use of... View More
It is not a registered business or trademark. They only have the domain name.
answered on Mar 21, 2024
This is potentially a problem.
Trademark infringement is based on a likelihood of confusion. If you are providing a good or service that is similar to someone else and using the same name, then there could be confusion as to the source of the goods/services.
Federal trademark... View More
After his death 10 years later in 1957, the diary is discovered in his home. It was not mentioned in his will, nor had he assigned the rights to the work to anyone. Is the diary under copyright protection in 2024? Thanks!
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 22, 2024
The copyright status of works like diaries can be complex, particularly when they are unpublished and the author has passed away. In general, for works created but not published or registered before 1978, copyright typically lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years. Since the diary was... View More
I am currently writing a book about a scholar who passed away three years ago. This individual was a professor at a state university and a well-known public figure worldwide. On the website of his foundation, there is a list of all the lectures he delivered across the globe. I requested access to... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 22, 2024
In the realm of academic research and historical documentation, access to archives can indeed be crucial. However, the legal right to access such materials depends on a variety of factors, including copyright law, the intentions of the decedent, and any existing agreements or policies established... 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?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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
The original person that trademarked this phrase did not renew their trademark license on it. Now there are at least two or more people who trademarked this phrase.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 20, 2024
Yes, more than one entity can hold a trademark for the same phrase if the marks are registered for different classes of goods or services. This means that the phrase "Sun's out guns out" could be trademarked by different parties, each using the phrase in a different context or... 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.
