You don't need permission to use your own photo. However, depending on what your website is about, it would be best to avoid displaying someone else's trademark.

A copyright is established the moment the content is created. In order to use someone else's photograph, you must obtain consent (i.e. a license) to do so. A copyrighted image (or any other copyrighted material) does not have to have any sort of markings or other indication of copyright;... View More

Probably not, unless your license agreement expressly allows you the right to enforce, or you are the exclusive licensee. Oftentimes the intellectual property owner retains the right to enforce or license the IP to others (non-exclusive license), though sometimes there is contractual language that... View More

Fascinating hypothetical. The answer probably depends on a few things: Was the tattoo a reproduction of another artist's creation, or based on an existing trademark? If so, have those rights now lapsed or terminated? Was the tattoo a part of the film's original creative makeup? If so, has... View More

It is certainly possible to license the right to use another company's trademark or purchase it outright from them. Trademark transactions are fairly common. I recommend speaking with a trademark attorney on how to approach the other company and working out a licensing arrangement that works... View More

Just because you can copy a drawing and turn it into a tattoo, does not mean you "may" do so. Even if you made some changes, that would only create a derivative work based on the original logo and without the permission of the copyright owner of the drawing, you would be infringing. As... View More

You are probably safe to use the exercises in your book. Generally, an exercise, such as a bench press or a pull up, is not protected by copyright law. Although, keep in mind that the photographs or written descriptions of exercises in other sources likely are protected by copyright.

Without the permission of Bob Ross's heirs or Bob Ross, Inc. (whichever is the appropriate rights holder), you will almost certainly open yourself up to legal liability if you print images of or produced by Bob Ross for resale.

**Using Bob Ross's Paintings**

Bob Ross was born in 1942 and presumably began painting some time before hosting The Joy of Painting, which first went on the air in 1983. I'll assume you're talking about using paintings created on his famous show.

If Bob Ross's... View More

Minors may claim copyright, and the Copyright Office issues registrations to minors, but state laws may regulate the business dealings involving copyrights owned by minors.

According to Rule 17 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure: The following representatives may sue or defend in... View More

It is unlikely, especially if the store is defunct, that anyone current holds a trademark to the logo or company name on the sign. You would be best advised to conduct a trademark search (federal and state) or have one done for you by the many online services offering that function.

A photographer is automatically granted copyright protection in the images they create. You haven't posted a question here, but if you are a defendant in a lawsuit for copyright infringement, I recommend that you retain a qualified attorney whose practice focuses on copyright law.

Your question does not contain much detail, but I assume you're asking: "How can I legally use a song in a Youtube video?"

To avoid the risk of a copyright infringement lawsuit, someone seeking to use a song they did not compose nor record in a Youtube video should seek... View More

A copyright protects works of authorship, such as writings, music, and works of art that have been tangibly expressed. For more information, contact, see www.copyright.gov (U.S. Copyright Office)

Paul Overhauser

www.iniplaw.org

www.overhauser.com

317- 891-1500

No, you don't have to register a copyright to take advantage of copyright law. For example, you can sell or license a copyrighted work even if you have not registered. However, if you have made an investment in your work, it is a good idea to register it with the Copyright Office. If you... View More

While you could probably write it without getting sued, if you wanted to publish, license, or sell the rights, you would need to get permission from the owner of the James Bond copyrights. At the present time, I believe MGM owns those rights. However, they are in finanical difficulty and may have... View More

A registration is effective as of the date the application is received by the Copyright Office. However, the registration certificate takes a while to receive. If you pay for "special handling," a registration usually takes about a week. If you file an application electronically, it takes... View More

You could be liable, as there is no "intent" requirement to be liable for copyright infringement. However, your exposure could be reduced if you are determined to have been an "innocent infringer."

Paul Overhauser

www.iniplaw.org

www.overhauser.com

317- 891-1500

No. There is a lot of misunderstanding about this. Names are not protected by copyright. Publishers of publications such as a star registry may register a claim to copyright in the text of the volume [or book] containing the names the registry has assigned to stars, and perhaps the compilation of... View More

I presume you mean how you register a copyright to your music. You fill out a form and file it with the Copyright Office. The form to use depends on whether your "music" comprises lyrics, a recording, or both. see www.copyright.gov for details. However, if others contributed to the music... View More