I am looking to get a design patented for an industrial sauna that minimizes heat exchange. I haven't seen any similar designs patented. I'm planning to manufacture this design soon. Could a lawyer advise if it's possible to patent this design and what steps I should take?

In 2022, I started working on a book with Writer Republic LLC and finished it in 2023. Carlos Reyes from the team promised that I would be paid for my work and that they would provide 200 copyrighted paperback copies of my book. As of now, I have received neither the payment nor the book copies,... View More

I am concerned about the use of childhood photos taken by my parent. These photos were digitized and shared by my sibling, who is the executor of my parent's estate, without my permission. Initially, I signed a release for a book being written by someone from our community, but I have since... View More

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Alan Harrison Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 17, 2025

This looks like a classic rights of publicity question. I believe Pamela Koslyn is in California and is experienced with these matters.

I have an idea for a product that involves universities in all states. I haven't approached any institutions yet and want to ensure that my idea remains confidential. I need an NDA and advice on protecting my idea, including potential patenting or trademarking in the future. What type of... View More

Peter D. Mlynek
answered on Jul 17, 2025

You should consult with a patent attorney. A patent attorney will also advise you on trademarks.

When selecting a patent attorney, make sure to select one that works in that subject matter specialty Namely, if your invention is in chemistry, consult with a patent lawyer that specializes... View More

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I am conducting research on the use of Google Maps photos by online travel websites. I plan to start a travel-oriented website as an LLC with advertisements, aiming to educate people on travel destinations. Can I use Google Maps' photos with a link back, or would this constitute copyright... View More

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Alan Harrison Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 16, 2025

It would be very odd if Google sued you for infringement on these facts, because they do this to others all the time and call it "fair use".

I used the Photoroom Ai app to create product pictures for my new online business. Their website states that images can be used for commercial purposes, but it also warns that the Ai may generate content containing copyrighted material. I haven't received any infringement notices yet. How can... View More

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Alan Harrison Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 16, 2025

Google and Bing both offer image searches. You can search for images similar to the AI product.

A $220,000 lien was recorded against my property by a bail bond company in connection with a third-party case. I was not the defendant, but my name was on the Deed of Trust. The bond was fully exonerated by the court months ago, and I have a notarized Full Reconveyance, but the original has not... View More

I am the sole owner of a consulting firm, collaborating with another consultant to co-facilitate business education workshops. We currently don't have an agreement or shared intellectual property, but I want to ensure protection for the IP I bring to the temporary 'partnership.' I... View More

Linda Liang
answered on Jul 15, 2025

Sign a contract defining the IP property, the ownership of the property, and the arrangement between the parties.

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I'm seeking legal advice regarding the use of names in a dinosaur-themed game I run on Roblox. We generate revenue through in-game purchases and have not received any legal notices from Universal or others yet. We have dinosaurs inspired by Universal's "Indominus Rex" and... View More

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James L. Arrasmith Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 15, 2025

Using names like "Indominus Rex" or "Indoraptor" in your Roblox game—especially if you're generating income—does carry legal risk. These names were created by Universal Pictures specifically for the *Jurassic World* franchise, and they are likely protected by trademark... View More

My friend entered into a contract with a publisher to publish a children's book series, retaining the copyright to her content. The publisher has rights to publish 7 specific books and license characters for other media, offering 30% of profits after expenses. Five years in, there's been... View More

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Alan Harrison Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 14, 2025

Your friend should have a lawyer look at her agreement with the publisher. If she really retained copyright, which is something that a lawyer could confirm for her, and if she did not give the publisher an exclusive license to characters or setting, then she might be free to use her i.p. for new... View More

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I have three patents in the USA and 15 years of design experience in the mining machine industry. I contributed to the new innovative design called Auto Bit Changer for my company, Epiroc. Considering my achievements, am I eligible for self-sponsorship under the EB-1A category?

Stephen Arnold Black
answered on Jul 16, 2025

You appear to be a strong candidate for EB-1A self-sponsorship. Your achievements likely meet several USCIS criteria, including original contributions of major significance and a critical role in your company. If you can document industry recognition and continued work in your field, you may... View More

In 2025, I discovered that Amazon is selling my book, which was originally on their print on demand service back in 2008. I have not accessed the account for several years, and I did not consent to this. I've contacted Amazon in 2019 about account access issues but recently noticed Amazon as... View More

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Christie Dudley
answered on Jul 14, 2025

Lanham Act is the enforcement measure for trademarks. Since I don't see any specific trademarks identified in your question, copyright would be the primary vehicle for enforcement.

You should have a copyright to the work. If you haven't registered the copyright, I would do that... View More

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I created a protest poster against the school board, and I included some symbols of the school system on it. The Superintendent emailed me requesting that I remove these symbols. I believe these symbols might be copyrighted. There were no specified consequences mentioned in the email. I have not... View More

I am part of an AI tech startup registered in India. We are currently in the prototype stage and want to register a patent for our technology in the US. We do not have any existing patents in India or elsewhere, and we are unsure about any challenges we might face in the US patent process. How can... View More

Peter D. Mlynek
answered on Jul 14, 2025

To obtain a patent in the US, here is the process for someone in India.

(1) Find a patent attorney in India. To find such a lawyer, you may contact a lawyer that you already know who will be able to provide you a reference.

(2) The patent attorney in India should determine if your... View More

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I'm a writer from outside the US and use the pen name Type27 for my novel, which features a character named Chariot. I recently discovered that these names are linked to a character in the Sega game "House of the Dead," which might pose a risk of trademark infringement. My story is a... View More

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Christie Dudley
answered on Jul 14, 2025

Although you can be sued at any time by anybody for any reason or no reason at all, Japanese companies tend to be less litigious on derivative works in general as opposed to American animation companies. The best you can do is reduce the likelihood that they will pursue action.

The key is... View More

I'm seeking guidance from an intellectual property attorney with experience in mathematical algorithms and machine learning. I've developed a prime number identification algorithm that predicts approximately 200,000 primes with a 1:5 accuracy ratio for values between 300 and 8.5 million.... View More

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James L. Arrasmith Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 13, 2025

What you've developed sounds promising, especially given the performance improvements you've described. Protecting a mathematical algorithm can be challenging, since pure math cannot be patented, but the way your algorithm is applied or implemented in software might be. If your work... View More

In regards to copyright infringement, if I purchase a study guide for a certification process and upload the study guide into a flashcard online site to create flashcards, am I infringing copyright if: the study guide includes terms of use regarding reproduction, the flashcards are for my private... View More

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James L. Arrasmith Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 13, 2025

You're right to think carefully about this, because even personal use of copyrighted material can raise questions depending on how the content is handled. If the study guide you purchased has clear terms that limit reproduction or redistribution, uploading it—even just to create... View More

I want to know if installing custom firmware into Nintendo game consoles, such as a 3DS or Switch, is illegal if I am doing it for personal use only.

I am creating a short film about the rehearsal process of a film and want to use lines from "Chicago" during a rehearsal mic check, like humming "All That Jazz" or saying "I loved Al Lipshitz more than I could possibly say. He was a real artistic guy, sensitive, a... View More

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James L. Arrasmith Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 12, 2025

Using lines or music from *Chicago*, even briefly and in a rehearsal context, still places you in risky territory under copyright law—especially if you plan to submit the film to festivals. Even though your project is personal, the moment you share it publicly or enter it into competitions,... View More

I made a short film and uploaded it to Vimeo, a public video platform. I then provided a link to an online magazine that published it along with an interview with me. There was no contractual agreement regarding this publication. Is distributing the link to my film on Vimeo, through the magazine,... View More

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James L. Arrasmith Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 12, 2025

Sharing a public Vimeo link to your film and allowing an online magazine to distribute that link is generally considered a form of “publication” under U.S. copyright law. The law defines publication as the distribution of copies or phonorecords of a work to the public by sale, rental, lease, or... View More