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Florida Trademark Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Internet Law and Trademark for Florida on
Q: Is a fictitious name registration required for Florida LLC's when they only use it for marketing?

I just registered an LLC in florida which has a different name than the name of my website. Do I have to register a fictitous name for that website name, even though I'm not using it for any formal business interactions like contracts and banking?

the website name is only used for... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 25, 2024

Yes, in Florida, if you operate your LLC under a name different from its official registered name, you generally need to register a fictitious name. This applies even if the alternate name is only used for marketing, branding, or displayed in your logo. Registering ensures that the public is aware... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Trademark for Florida on
Q: could i use the word with an added city ? when the main word has a trademark
Sarah Teresa Haddad
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answered on Oct 23, 2024

The answer to your question depends on how and where you seek to provide in commerce the goods or services that the proposed trademark is attributed to. If for example, the origin of your goods or services come from outside the city you're seeking to incorporate in the trademark, this could... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Business Formation, Business Law and Trademark for Florida on
Q: Can I create a magazine with the name Pulse
Giselle Ayala Mateus
Giselle Ayala Mateus
answered on Sep 11, 2024

Creating a magazine with the name "Pulse" may involve potential trademark issues, as the name is quite common and could already be in use by other entities in various industries. Trademark law is designed to protect brand names and logos that are used to identify goods and services. If... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: Am I able to apply for a name that is already trademarked, but has been dead and abandoned for 17 years?
Robert Hugh Johnston III
Robert Hugh Johnston III
answered on Aug 10, 2024

If I understand the question correctly, you mean by “trademarked” that it was once federally registered but now has been abandoned or cancelled. In most situations you could file for a trademark registration for that mark and use that mark. One caution is that it's possible the owner of... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Trademark for Florida on
Q: Question about the use of "Ever After High" trademark for a personal use shirt (not for sale)

I want to make a shirt for myself from Mattel's Ever After High (not for sale or profit). Ideally, in the first scenario I would be using the full logo that comes up when searched- the pink heart locket with the logo inside. Second situation, I would be using the white notebook paper version... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 27, 2024

Using the Ever After High logo or related designs for personal use, even if not for sale, can still infringe on Mattel's trademark rights. Trademarks protect the brand's identity, and using any recognizable parts of the logo, including the heart locket, notebook paper version, or the girl... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: I am the owner of Purple Dryad and have been so legally since 2017.

My former attorney arranged the ownership for me so I don't know what this is. I simply need some direction and will have another attorney, local, attend to it.

Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
answered on May 25, 2024

US Reg No. 5500635 for PURPLE DRYAD is active for retail store services, and your name and address are correctly shown in the USPTO records. To maintain the registration, statement of continuing use must be filed by Jun. 26, 2024. This is a simple task for an experienced trademark attorney.

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1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: Hi, we are a gift basket business in Florida. What are the laws about having items in a basket that are trademarked?

for example, If we put a book in a kids box is that allowed? What about things like legos or disney or another "known" company product in the basket if we are not claiming it as our own or that we made it?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

When it comes to including trademarked items in gift baskets, the key considerations are the principles of trademark law and the "first sale doctrine." Here's what you need to know:

1. First Sale Doctrine: Under U.S. copyright and trademark law, the "first sale...
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3 Answers | Asked in Intellectual Property, Copyright and Trademark for Florida on
Q: Can an organization copyright specific words as part of a business name vs. logo?

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

Linda Liang
Linda Liang
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

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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: I'm starting a online viral Aromatherapy service and would like to know if a business trust is possible to setup.

I would also like to know if a phase that is the business name should be trademark

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 15, 2024

Starting an online aromatherapy service is an exciting venture. Regarding your question about setting up a business trust, it's indeed possible. A business trust can manage the business's assets and operations, but the specifics can vary widely based on your location and business needs.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: Would posting pictures of cars I worked on & detailed on my website/ads be considered trademark infringement?

Most pictures will just be the car after being cleaned. Some pictures will showcase the before & after.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 11, 2024

In most cases, posting pictures of cars you have worked on or detailed on your website or in advertisements would not be considered trademark infringement, as long as you follow certain guidelines:

1. No false association: Ensure that your use of the pictures does not falsely suggest that...
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Q: Can I still get any royalties, can I modify my design to re submit?!

My design expired can I modify it for resubmission, is their possible law suits I can receive compensation from?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 5, 2024

Based on the limited information provided, I'll try to address your questions as best as I can.

1. Royalties: If your design patent has expired, you will no longer receive royalties from it. Once a patent expires, the invention or design enters the public domain, meaning anyone can...
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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Florida on
Q: If my legal name is Billy, can I name my business Billy The Kid - Home Repair& Restoration?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 2, 2024

Choosing a business name is a significant step in establishing your brand and presence in the market. Using your legal name, Billy, as part of your business name, such as "Billy The Kid - Home Repair & Restoration," is generally permissible. However, it's essential to consider a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Florida on
Q: I make wood cut maps, can I use the name of a University in a map, no logos just the name
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 4, 2024

Using the name of a university on a woodcut map can potentially raise trademark and intellectual property concerns. While you're not using logos, universities often have trademark protection for their names to prevent unauthorized use for commercial purposes. Whether you can use the name... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports, Gaming, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: can I use an unrecognizable video game character to hit a block similar to Mario Bros?

On my website I'd like to have an unrecognizable character jump up and strike a block having an item come out of the block. The motion would be similar to the Mario bros. Would this create any copyright issues with Nintendo?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 1, 2024

Using an unrecognizable character in a video game-like scenario, where the character jumps and hits a block to release an item, may still raise potential copyright issues with Nintendo or other video game companies. While the character itself may not be recognizable as a specific copyrighted... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: Is the term "Boss Babes" trademarked?

I would like to start a Facebook group and name it Florida Boss Babes and want to know if this is okay or if I would be violating someone else's trademark.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 25, 2024

To determine if "Boss Babes" is trademarked, you can conduct a search in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database. This will show if the term is currently registered as a trademark. Remember, even if a term is not registered as a federal trademark, it could still be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Florida on
Q: Is Mickey Mouse protected by copyright and trademark? How can it be protected by both types of intellectual property.
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answered on Jan 23, 2024

Mickey Mouse, as a character and brand, is indeed protected by both copyright and trademark laws. Copyright protects original works of authorship, such as movies, books, and artwork, including animated characters. Mickey Mouse, as a creation of Walt Disney, falls under this category, safeguarding... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Trademark, Copyright and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: Hi, are the decorative patterns on the Pfaltzgraff Yorktowne dish wares trademarked or can I sell paint stencils of them
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 28, 2023

No, the decorative patterns and designs on Pfaltzgraff Yorktowne dishware lines are very unlikely to be protected by active trademarks or eligible for trademark protection. Therefore, you should generally be free to sell paint stencils replicating those patterns without infringing trademarks.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: Can I make a reference in a new song, to the title of a song that has been trademarked?

I composed a song where, at some point, I make reference to the title of an important social protest song that became a sort of an anthem, and I describe how important it was to rally the people and brake their fear to the oppressor. However I found out that its title has been trademarked, and I... View More

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answered on Nov 17, 2023

In Florida, referencing the title of a trademarked song in a new composition can be legally permissible under certain conditions. This usually falls under the category of fair use, especially if the reference is made in a way that is transformative, such as using the title to comment on, criticize,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: Is TNO the clothing brand still trademarked and if is who owns it

We are trying to make thee brand for America and want to know if the brand is in use we saw that the brand was used in the UK and want to know if it’s available for the United States

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 8, 2023

To ascertain if "TNO" is trademarked and who currently holds the rights, you should search the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database. Trademarks can be country-specific, and the fact that a brand is trademarked in the UK does not automatically mean it is protected in... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: If a Trademark is abandoned, what do I have to do to take it over?
Felicia Altman
Felicia Altman
answered on Oct 20, 2023

If a trademark has been abandoned you can file an application with the USPTO to apply for the trademark. In order to receive a registered trademark an application for the mark must be filed with the USPTO and you must also be able to provide proof of the mark being used by you as the owner in... View More

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