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Maryland Intellectual Property Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Intellectual Property and Patents (Intellectual Property) for Maryland on
Q: I need help selling this patent. Do you know a company that will take on a single utility patent to sell? US 9968703 B1
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 23, 2024

There are companies and individuals who specialize in patent brokering and licensing, assisting patent holders in selling their patents to interested buyers. These entities typically have networks and connections within industries relevant to the patent's technology, allowing them to identify... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Business Law, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Maryland on
Q: Looking for Guidance on Sale of Microsoft PowerPoint Templates

I am looking to operate an online business where I sell online courses and PowerPoint templates as materials with the course. I have seen that a Microsoft Office Home and Student license is not allowed for commercial purposes.

Questions List:

1. Is the Microsoft Professional license... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

1. The Microsoft Office Professional license may indeed be suitable for distributing materials such as online courses and PowerPoint templates for commercial purposes. However, it's essential to carefully review the terms and conditions of the license to ensure that it allows for the specific... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Maryland on
Q: Can images created using AI websites be used for small business ideas such selling t-shirts or stickers?

I am looking to possibly start selling stickers and t-shirts online via Etsy. The images I am hoping to use would be created using AI websites. Is this something I am legally allowed to do?

Kenesha A Raeford
Kenesha A Raeford
answered on Jan 29, 2024

This is a great question, and is quite naturally very complex given the ever-changing landscape of technology. Right now, general intellectual property laws that govern internet images are essentially limited to uniquely created imagery and content that is produced by human individuals.... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Internet Law, Copyright, Business Formation and Intellectual Property for Maryland on
Q: Can I use free Canva elements/graphics on logos, pdfs, blog posts, social media accounts, and other course materials?

The Canva terms of service are a bit confusing. My understanding is that if I have the free Canva plan and use only free Canva elements, I can essentially use the pictures/designs for anything I want besides selling them directly (in the context of trying to compete with Canva). I am starting an... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 26, 2023

Your understanding of Canva's terms of service is largely on track, but there are nuances to consider. With a free Canva plan, you can use the free elements in your projects, including logos, PDFs, blog posts, social media, and course materials. This is generally acceptable as long as... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Maryland on
Q: If you combine different images you get from Google to make one art piece can you sell it ?

Ex: I’m trying to make a joker for a T-shirt to sell but instead of getting a picture of the joker from Google I just take a stencil of someone face and find the hair and mouth from different images and combine them then add extra things to the face such as tattoos . Is that now considered my art ?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 4, 2023

Combining different images sourced from Google to create a new art piece for commercial purposes, such as selling on a T-shirt, involves important copyright considerations. Each image sourced from Google is likely protected by copyright, unless explicitly stated otherwise. This means that using... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Contracts, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Maryland on
Q: If I wish to place my graphic designs on stationary, tee shirts, and mugs, and sell them via Amazon, do I need...

...to obtain a DBA from the state if I wish to sell the products in my name (no branding) as a sole proprietor.

Also, do I need to register with the state at all if I operate as a sole proprietor AND I will NOT have NOR hold any inventory? (It would be a "print on demand" side... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 17, 2023

If you plan to conduct business under your own name as a sole proprietor, obtaining a DBA ("Doing Business As") is not typically required. However, if you decide to sell your products under a name other than your legal name, then a DBA would be necessary. The requirement to register your... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for Maryland on
Q: I am signing up with a music library. They sent over a writer’s agreement that mentions a $1 buyout fee. What is this?

It also mentions a writers share. Would this be the “pay” for music I send to them going forward? Is a buyout fee standard in music licensing?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 8, 2023

A $1 buyout fee in a writer's agreement usually indicates that the music library is paying you a nominal sum for the rights to your music. Essentially, they're buying out your composition for a very small fee, which often means you may not receive future royalties from that piece.... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for Maryland on
Q: Writing a song based off another

I'm writing a song but it's based off another 90% words have been change composition and meaning could they sue me?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 14, 2023

If you've substantially changed the lyrics, composition, and meaning of the song to create something new, it's less likely to be considered copyright infringement. However, whether a lawsuit can be brought against you would depend on the specific details and nuances of your song and the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Patents (Intellectual Property) and Intellectual Property for Maryland on
Q: Is the following application able to be patented:

Device for Hygienic Extraction of an Acne Related Impaction

Publication number: 20110087239

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 11, 2023

Determining whether a specific invention can be patented involves a detailed analysis of the patentability criteria, including novelty, non-obviousness, and utility. You can check the current status of a patent application through the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website using... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Patents (Intellectual Property) and Intellectual Property for Maryland on
Q: I have a idea for a fishing accessory idea that I'd like to make.

I've checked everywhere to see if someone else has come up with the same idea as myself and actually created the idea. And through my investigation looking to see if someone else has created my idea. No one else has

Kevin E. Flynn
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Kevin E. Flynn
answered on Aug 21, 2023

Did you search for other fishing accessories that use the same concept even if the item is not identical? To be awarded a patent, one must pass through several filters. While being new is a filter, the harder one is being non-obvious. The latter test asks whether someone with access to all... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Maryland on
Q: How do I purchase the rights to a trademark?
Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Jul 3, 2023

If somebody already owns and has registered the trademark you want, then you will have to purchase the trademark from the owner, who then assigns it to you under the purchase contract; or you can lease the use of the trademark from the owner.

If the trademark you want to use is not...
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2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation, Contracts, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Maryland on
Q: I’d like to trade mark “Train Like A Freak.” I’d like to trademark it as a “lifestyle” slogan for serious gym goers

Thru Proper nutrition and exercise. What would it cost (in total) in general to attain this trademark?

Thank you kindly for your time in this matter

Cedulie Renee Laumann
Cedulie Renee Laumann
answered on Apr 24, 2023

The law prevents attorneys from "price fixing" or agreeing to charge a uniform fee for services so this is not the place to get an answer on fees. That said, I can understand your desire to get a sense of what costs might be involved before you retain an attorney. Some firms might... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Maryland on
Q: I own a collection of action figures (superheroes, Godzilla, ect.) Can I use photos of them to make t-shirts or posters?
Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Jan 16, 2023

Use of trademarked and copywrited products and characters in other products for sale is not permitted and will subject you to possible lawsuits and damages which will include forfeiture of all profits from such sales, payment of attorney's fees and court costs, plus possible punitive or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Maryland on
Q: I have a question regarding U.S. Copyright.

I have a question regarding U.S. Copyright.

I have a work that is written in English.

Let's say I translate that work into some other languages using Google Translate or some other online translation service and I edit a little bit to make the translation better.... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Jul 25, 2022

The person who wrote the words originally, in its original language, is the copyright owner. The translation performed by Google Translate is a free translation service subject to whatever terms of use are written in the Google terms of use provisions. Your minor edits do not convert what (a)... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Business Law, Civil Rights and Intellectual Property for Maryland on
Q: Can I receive settlements from businesses?

I am a freelance model , I post most of my work on my social media accounts and run that as my business page as well . For years small brands and large cooperations use and manipulate my images into business logos , promotional marketing and evening jewelry and interior design products . Can I... View More

Leonard R. Boyer
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answered on Mar 3, 2021

You need to retain local counsel to set up the right corporate entities for you, then have an intellectual property attorney set up the appropriate protections for you. THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE! YOU NEED TO SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY WHO IS LICENSED IN YOUR STATE FOR LEGAL ADVICE. This is merely... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Intellectual Property for Maryland on
Q: How do I get a title for a a bonded vehicle on my property
Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Dec 13, 2020

Review the following code section, then gather your information and documents and go to the MVA:

https://govt.westlaw.com/mdc/Document/NB1E2AD109CE811DB9BCF9DAC28345A2A?viewType=FullText&originationContext=documenttoc&transitionType=CategoryPageItem&contextData=(sc.Default)

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Education Law and Intellectual Property for Maryland on
Q: I have a question which involves the rights to intellectual property as teacher in a private grade school.

I was a high school teacher and created about 50 powerpoint lessons in the school's drive. The school locked me out and will not share my powerpoint lessons. I am of course very upset over this. I spent days on one powerpoint alone. The school would not suffer any harm by sharing my lessons... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Oct 8, 2020

You may find this article informative on the subject, although it does not address any special statutory or other law in Maryland that may vary from the basic principal that a work made in the course and within the scope of employment generally belongs to the employer:... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Federal Crimes, Intellectual Property and Social Security for Maryland on
Q: I received an email about because I got a notice of le a legal proceeding should I take it seriously

Case File : PS0103019

Court House Address- -United States District Court 500 Pearl Street, New York, NY 10007.

Lawsuit Cost - $4526.65(Including Attorney Fee/Court Fee/All Taxes)

Last Date to File Lawsuit - July 28th 2020.

Attorney Name- Paul Smith (Sr. Attorney in... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Jul 28, 2020

It's a scam. Ignore it.

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2 Answers | Asked in Intellectual Property and Trademark for Maryland on
Q: Can I include an already trademarked name of a business in my url?

I am creating an online course about selling on Amazon and my sharing my personal experience and tips to students. I do not sell any physical products that Amazon.com sells. I am only selling a digital product that I created on my own. The digital product is to educate other people how to start... View More

Marcos Garciaacosta
Marcos Garciaacosta
answered on Apr 10, 2020

That is the fastest way to get a complaint and maybe a proceeding that will take your domain name.

Try something else.

Consult an attorney.

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1 Answer | Asked in Intellectual Property and Trademark for Maryland on
Q: What could I do, if I have proof that I designed Cloud hosting, before AWS was released.

I've been going through my old notebooks from when I was 7 (2007-2008), and there's a full 50 page on my own design and ideas for a cloud hosting service. I have flowcharts, pricing models, and even a market outlook.

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Mar 11, 2020

Lots of people dream up big ideas and never act on them, then someone else comes up with a similar idea on their own and implements it. What can you do about it? Nothing. Ideas can’t be patented, and if you fail to bring an idea to market or fruition as a product or service, you can’t claim the... View More

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