Get free answers to your Intellectual Property legal questions from lawyers in your area.

answered on Feb 2, 2025
First, check to see if the patent has expired.
Second, search to see if anyone has registered an assignment at the USPTO and ensure your father did not sell it.
Third, start using the internet to see if anyone is selling a product or process that is covered by every element of the... View More
I understand AI generated art cannot be copyrighted, but a website allows users to generate art on their platform, but claims it cannot be used in certain circumstances. Can I reproduce those images in another medium without violating their terms and conditions

answered on Dec 21, 2024
This is a really cool question. I won't paint you a definitive answer but I will sketch for you the lines of my initial impression.
AI "art" can't be copyright. → so making a derivative work won't infringe. → a transformative derivative work can be copyright... View More
I had the same idea that one inventor patented but he if from Australia. This product doesn't look like it sold in America and I want to get in touch with him to ask him some questions. Is this possible?

answered on Dec 8, 2024
Yes, you can contact the inventor. Most inventors assign (i.e., sell) their patent. So, you should contact the owner of the patent instead.
If the owner of a patent in a foreign country does not have a correlating patent in the United States, then you are free to make, use, and sell the... View More
I am reaching out for legal guidance regarding a recent copyright infringement email my business, Empire Wardrobe, received. This email included a screenshot dated five months ago of a product on our website, which, according to our records, was removed shortly after that time.
This is the... View More

answered on Nov 5, 2024
Additional issues to consider would be whether the claimed original image is registered with the US Copyright Office, the purpose the original claimed image was used versus the purpose of the accused image, questions of any damages, and accessibility to the claimed original source.

answered on Oct 16, 2024
Discord holds numerous patents related to its messaging and communication features. Creating a similar platform without infringing on these patents could be challenging. You would need to carefully analyze Discord’s patented technologies to ensure your platform does not use the same methods or... View More
Our client, a large US-based DoD supplier, who has access to our technology, and with whom we have a contract - whereby they pay us a fee if they sell any of their products with our technology inside - is publicly positioning our technology as if the IP belonged to them. This includes interviews on... View More

answered on Aug 2, 2024
You likely have a strong basis to build a case against the DoD supplier. Misrepresenting intellectual property can be a breach of contract and potentially a violation of intellectual property laws. You should review your contract to identify any specific provisions related to the use and... View More
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answered on Jul 18, 2024
Using 20-second excerpts from a Swedish musical artist in your podcast can be a tricky area due to copyright laws. Even though your podcast is non-commercial and doesn't generate revenue, you still need to obtain permission from the copyright holder to legally use the music. Without... View More
I am writing a history book for publication about people in my hometown who lived in the late 1800s. Since newspapers don’t exist anymore from that time, my two choices are either microfilm at my local library or websites that have digitized newspapers. Both options are nothing more than exact... View More

answered on May 1, 2024
Yes, newspapers and U.S. Censuses published before January 1, 1929, are generally considered to be in the public domain in the United States and are free to use without restriction.
According to U.S. copyright law, works published before 1929 have fallen into the public domain due to... View More
I made police report it's going on a year an I'm seeing my pennys selling for 300000 $ an I need closer an help I can't even get out of bed because of this my future an kids future have been stolen an I need some one to help me please

answered on Mar 29, 2024
I'm truly sorry to hear about the loss of your 1943 copper pennies, especially given their significant value and the impact this has had on you and your family's future. It's understandable how such a situation can leave you feeling devastated and seeking support to find a... View More
Received a cease and desist letter from a brands attorney for selling some of their Products on Amazon. Immediately unlisted any active listing on Amazon. Letter states to reply by email or phone within a week stating my compliance with their orders which are to cease the sale of any more product... View More

answered on Mar 8, 2024
When you receive a cease and desist letter, it's a formal request to stop allegedly illegal activity. While you've taken the initial step by removing the listings, responding to the letter is generally advisable. This response can serve as documented proof of your compliance, which might... View More

answered on Mar 4, 2024
To find out the status of a patent application submitted through Mitsubishi or any other entity, you have several options to explore. Initially, you can check the public databases provided by patent offices, such as the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in the U.S. or the World... View More
My music and my files have been stolen, from multiple media sites, My metadata to my songs were altered.I have proof. The sites short list is Jango and Radio airplay, they even got into my Soundcloud and Spotify, I will supply information but I don't know who to trust.

answered on Feb 23, 2024
If you're facing copyright infringement issues with your music and files being stolen from various media sites, it's crucial to seek legal assistance from an attorney experienced in copyright law. Start by gathering all evidence you have, including proof of ownership, timestamps, and any... View More
Will provide more information about metadata and Names, I have secured my files, and most of my sites. They stole my information Through a breach in one or more sites.

answered on Feb 25, 2024
Here are some steps I would recommend taking if your music has been stolen from your online profiles:
1. Document everything. Gather all evidence you have that shows the music originated with you, as well evidence of who stole it and where they have posted your content. Metadata, time... View More
Can I create illustrations of muscle cars from different periods and use them to create posters I will sell?

answered on Feb 21, 2024
Creating illustrations of muscle cars from different periods and using them to create posters for sale could potentially raise copyright issues. While the physical design of the cars themselves may not be protected by copyright, certain elements such as logos, emblems, or distinctive features... View More
To put it on sweatshirts and tshirts and pants and hoodies and jackets

answered on Feb 21, 2024
To determine if "Make Money Not Friends" is trademarked, you would need to conduct a search in the relevant trademark databases. This includes the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database and possibly other international trademark databases depending on your location.... View More
As far as i've seen on its page, music isn't included in the statements fields, which makes me think that I am actually allowed.
It's a cover song and I can pay the royalty fees to upload on the stores.
Thank you in advance.

answered on Feb 21, 2024
While the title "Death Stranding" is associated with a video game, it does not necessarily mean that you cannot use it for your song. However, it's crucial to consider potential trademark issues, as the title may be protected under trademark law if it's associated with specific... View More
The Biodiversity Heritage Library (funded in part by the Smithsonian) has several thousand art images and photographs posted on Flickr, listed as "Public Domain" art. Their terms of use seem to indicate that anyone can use them with no restrictions, but I am confused about whether or not... View More

answered on Feb 21, 2024
Navigating the rules around public domain images can indeed be complex, especially when institutions like the Biodiversity Heritage Library (BHL) and platforms like Flickr are involved. While the BHL may list images as public domain on Flickr, it's essential to understand the terms of use... View More
I found a Trademark that I'd like to start putting on apparel and clothing etc. It's current status has been abandoned by the original owner, is it possible for me to reregister the Trademark to get legal ownership?

answered on Jan 8, 2024
Trademarking a product like "Crypto Punk Vapes" involves considering both trademark law and potential copyright or intellectual property rights of others. First, to trademark a name or brand, it must be distinctive and not already in use for similar products or services.
However,... View More
For example, the function is different but is represented in different shapes, is it still okay? And where do I research the copyrights and patents of other apps, so I don’t get into trouble? Also, does the copyright law and patents issued in United States still apply in China?

answered on Jan 5, 2024
To ensure that your app does not infringe on the copyrights or patents of other apps, it's important to conduct thorough research. For copyrights, especially regarding source code and graphics, ensure that any content you use is original or properly licensed. Avoid using code, images, or... View More
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