Get free answers to your Copyright legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I am an independent filmmaker in Indiana and later found out late in my production there exists a short with the same title, a little video that has almost no recognition. My story is different, the only similarity is it involves a pizza delivery. I just want to make sure it's legal without... View More
answered on Aug 17, 2024
You're allowed to use the same title as the short film on YouTube, especially since the content, story, and production are different. Titles generally aren't protected by copyright law, which means multiple works can share the same name without infringing on each other's rights.... View More
i did not make the stl files but would not be getting paid for the items
answered on Jul 18, 2024
If you are 3D printing items using STL files you did not create, you need to be aware of potential copyright issues. Even if you are not getting paid for the items you print and trade, the original creator of the STL files may still have rights over their design. Using someone else’s design... View More
I have a website where I blog about Marvel superheroes and stories. In my posts, I discuss the characters and their history and the themes that surround them. It is an affiliate marketing site, where I will have links to Affiliate sites that sell licensed Marvel products, such as models,... View More
answered on Jul 18, 2024
Using pictures from comic books on your website blog involves dealing with copyrighted material, and it's important to navigate this carefully. Marvel's comic book images are protected by copyright, and using them without permission can lead to legal issues. Even if your blog is small and... View More
I blog about Marvel super heroes on my website that has affiliate links to sell superhero products (comics, clothing, models, etc). In my blog, I provide commentary on Marvel characters to engage my readers. In the posts, I want to provide pictures from relevant Marvel comics to provide interest... View More
answered on Jul 18, 2024
Using images from Marvel comics on your affiliate marketing website can potentially infringe on copyright and trademark laws. Even though you provide commentary and attribute the images to their rightful owners, this does not automatically qualify as fair use. Fair use is a complex legal doctrine... View More
We would like to do memes on our Facebook page through the year encouraging events. And have props during festival.
We do a special edition shirt each year of 100 if possible would also like to include yogi with ours& Yellowstone parks in the print
answered on Jan 14, 2024
Using Yogi Bear and his crew as mascots for your festival, especially in conjunction with Yellowstone National Park, requires careful consideration of intellectual property rights. Yogi Bear is a copyrighted character owned by Hanna-Barbera, now part of Warner Bros. Entertainment. Therefore, using... View More
answered on Aug 2, 2023
if you have a unique and novel method of using words or phrases on specialty balloons that involves a technical process or innovation, you may be able to seek patent protection for that specific process or invention. It's essential to consult with a qualified patent attorney who can evaluate... View More
answered on Jul 25, 2023
The use of copyrighted music in video games, including credit scenes, is typically not considered fair use. Fair use is a legal doctrine that allows limited use of copyrighted material without obtaining permission from the copyright owner under certain circumstances, such as for purposes of... View More
I would give the creator credit, and summarize their stories. Is social media considered public domain? Or would I have to get the creators permission before telling and discussing their stories on a podcast?
answered on Apr 2, 2023
Social media is not considered public domain. Social media platforms are just a public forums where people post their content. However, the people posting aren't necessarily relinquishing their rights by posting there. Also, giving credit doesn't really help if what you're doing... View More
For example: A private facebook group named Sandestin Book Direct with Owner
answered on Feb 25, 2023
It's not recommended to use the name of a resort or company in the name of your private Facebook group or ads without their permission as it could potentially infringe on their trademark. It's best to check with the resort or company to see if they allow the use of their name in such a... View More
As a photographer can I, for example, sell my photograph of a Ford Mustang, and describe it in my listing as a "photograph of a Ford Mustang", without Ford’s written permission?
answered on Jan 30, 2023
Yes, of course you can. Using a trademark in the description of the photograph is "nominative fair use" of the mark, and not an infringement.
Some people I know are selling shirts with known designs (such as Louis Vuitton) on them. They have used a variety of designs from multiple internet sources (such as Etsy, Instagram, Pintrest, etc.). They claim to have dealt with the copyright issues, and bought the necessary rights to use these... View More
answered on Jan 28, 2022
Even if the copyrights have been licensed, which we agree is a doubtful claim, use of the famous apparel brands on fake goods is trademark infringement.
An informative article on apparel trademark law is here:
https://www.thefashionlaw.com/resource-center/trademark-law/
Basically something i've been wanting to do is get back into reading since it's not something that really happens a lot anymore in the common world. I would also like to share what I am reading with others so that they to might find enjoyment in it, I would not be showing the pages/screen... View More
answered on May 21, 2021
In general probably not.
You would be infringing several property rights.
Consult with an attorney.
Can I say Mary Poppings. Where everything is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.
answered on Jan 28, 2021
You can probably say supercalifragilisticexpialidocious - it does not appear to be registered to anyone. You probably could even register it.
"Mary Poppings" is more problematic - Disney has the "Mary Poppins" mark registered for some goods and services, and they... View More
The names are the same there our no pictures of the charcters them self can i write the book under section 107 of the fair use act
answered on Jan 22, 2021
Works of parody are generally acceptable forms of "fair use" protected from what would otherwise would amount to copyright infringement. As you've alluded, Section 107 does provide several examples of fair use, including uses of copyrighted works “for purposes such as criticism... View More
The website I would be buying is the same words just moved around. And the merchandise would potentially be clothing designed to look similar to the original brand’s clothing but not the same. Or would it be legal to offer this new and similar domain to the owner of the original for a price?
answered on Jan 8, 2021
don't do it
too close for comfort
you can be sued
consult with an attorney
I just created a graph this afternoon around 1:00pm with my name and date in the bottom corner that really impressed my professor who is a doctor in medicine. After getting off the phone with my father, he suggested I reach out and see if this is something that I could patent. Is there any way... View More
answered on Dec 4, 2020
A spreadsheet graph is not generally the kind of thing that can be patented. If you think it is truly new and innovative, I encourage you to consult privately with a patent attorney. Be prepared to explain it thoroughly, and keep in mind that your 1-year time limit for patenting already started... View More
In 2010 I coined the name ColdArted (Cold-Arted Creations, ColdArted.webs.com). I started signing my artwork in 2010 with that name. In 2011 I established a Google account with the same name. In 2014 cold-arted creations became a limited liability corporation. That was in the state of Indiana.... View More
answered on Jul 23, 2020
There is potentially something you can do. First of all, are you sure that the company you found on google has officially received trademark registration? If not, it would be worth having an attorney conduct a thorough USPTO trademark search for you to see if they have or if they have applied to do... View More
I've created a new footwear product and brand and would like to launch a brand awareness video with completely rewritten and new, non similar lyrics to a copyrighted song; However, my lyrics are to the beat of the original song. Will I be infringing by using the beat?
answered on Jun 24, 2020
Unless the beat is in the public domain, musical beats are also protected by copyright. Using a musical beat without permission/license(s) could result in a claim of copyright infringement.
I want to create a record company and I want the name to be Blue Solo Records. I'm not sure if the word solo is trademarked so am able to use the name and make t-shirts with the name.
answered on Jun 13, 2020
Trademark rights are obtained by using the mark to identify the source of goods or services. Federal registration does not make a particular word, phrase, or symbol a trademark. The use of the trademark makes the particular word, phrase, or symbol a trademark. One can commit trademark... View More
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