Get free answers to your Intellectual Property legal questions from lawyers in your area.
answered on May 24, 2024
Using "Saint Tropez" for clothing could be problematic if "Saint-Tropez" is trademarked in a related category, as it might lead to legal issues due to potential consumer confusion. Trademark laws vary by jurisdiction, and geographical names can have specific restrictions.... View More 
Could these patents be deemed invalid?
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answered on Apr 25, 2024
The validity of a patent depends on several factors, such as the novelty and non-obviousness of the invention, and whether the patent application meets the legal requirements. Not including the names of the actual inventors (in this case, the electrical engineers or designers) on the patent could... View More
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answered on Mar 4, 2024
Using a section of a song in your student film, even with the lyrics removed and dubbed over, can be complex when considering fair use provisions. Fair use is determined by factors such as the purpose and character of your use, the nature of the copyrighted work, the amount and substantiality of... View More
We are doing a fund raiser for our local pool. Some wish to call it Swim A Thon…while others fear that using that term could get us into some legal trouble???
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answered on Feb 27, 2024
Using the term "Swim A Thon" for your fundraiser requires a bit of caution due to potential trademark issues. Trademarks protect brand names, slogans, and other identifiers from being used without permission, especially if they could cause confusion among the public or imply an... View More
A person created a video game addon for certain vehicles. He removed his first version to replace it with something unstable. He is sending threats to people who share this first version of that said addon that is stable with legal action cases. But he lacks a trade mark and a license for his... View More
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answered on Feb 25, 2024
Understanding the legal nuances in such a situation is important. Even without a formal trademark or license, creators can have rights to their original work under copyright law. Copyright protection is automatic upon the creation of an original work fixed in a tangible medium of expression. This... View More
answered on Oct 12, 2023
The name of the firm that is on the issued patent is not always the firm that wrote the patent application as sometimes the patent application moves from one firm to another during the time that the application is pending (such as when a company is sold or even when just the patent application is... View More
I'm looking to trademark my adult video game under my LLC. Seeking advice from experienced professionals in both areas. Serious responses only please. I'm interested in a long term situation. I've already filed one, but due to a name change, I might need to file again as my previous... View More
answered on Aug 23, 2023
The proposed mark should be carefully researched to assure that it is not confusingly similar to any other mark already used in gaming, then an intent-to-use application should promptly be filed before the game is actively marketed. It may also be wise to include a graphic element to a text-only... View More
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answered on Aug 16, 2023
Using "Twin Cities" in your business name could potentially lead to trademark issues, as the term may be associated with the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area in Minnesota. If your business operates within or serves this region, using "Twin Cities" in your name might... View More
I’d like to start a car-themed coffee company which would include images, logos, and names of car manufacturers. Would I need the permissions of the companies first?
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answered on Mar 29, 2023
Using the images, logos, and names of car manufacturers in a car-themed coffee company without their permission could potentially be a trademark infringement. It is advisable to seek legal advice or contact the car manufacturers to obtain their permission before using their trademarks or... View More
I worked at a haunted house and these are pictures and videos of my characters used on their website and social media.
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answered on Mar 15, 2023
If you are no longer employed by the haunted house and you did not sign any agreement that allows them to use your image or likeness, you may be able to take action to stop them from using your pictures and videos. Here are some steps you can take:
Send a cease and desist letter: You can... View More
And does the fact that they are band is based in another country change things
answered on May 29, 2021
If you do not have a license to put the band there, yes you could be sued.
My position was eliminated by new management. In 2018 the former GM asked for my assignment signature. I told him I was not comfortable doing that working for him for 36 years and He soon to retire (since deceased) that as long as I was employed I would not take issue with not assigning my rights.... View More
answered on Jan 13, 2021
Check your contracts including anything you signed upon your departure.
Most of the time you grant any creation to your company.
You are the inventor. Depends on how the invention was registered you may have some rights or none.
Best luck.
answered on Nov 19, 2020
Hi there. This section in for intelelctual property questions such as trademark, copyright, and patents. You may want to re-post your question in a different section such as landlord/tenent law or family law. Sorry about the confusion.
I bought my stepmom car for 2000.. and today she showed up with the police claiming that I never paid her anything and she wants the car back. She had the car towed off my property...
I have text messages from her saying the price of the car, me giving her mom, and are agreement... View More
answered on Jan 5, 2020
consult a local attorney, you can try this in small claims depending on your jurisdiction
make sure you have all documented and printed for presenting to the court
need to know what can be done to help me on this situation...
answered on Dec 6, 2019
This happens, unfortunately, all the time.
If you have a patent on your invention, then go see a patent litigator to give you options on how to get some sort of licensing agreement of your patent in place, or to file a suit.
Good luck!
Protect my rights.
answered on Jul 22, 2019
A US patent is valid only in the US. You can use a PCT application, if you are still within the time limits, to file in other PCT countries. That requires a new application.
answered on Jul 8, 2019
We do not have an option for an international patent. (Yes, I know many people write that they have an international patent, but they are wrong). We have a type of patent application that is the front end for many patent system. This is called a Patent Cooperation Treaty Application (PCT... View More
Also, the design/logo includes words. So, if I change the words color and/or font does it still protect under the copyright/trademark law still? Even if I submit something to the copyright/trademark in black font and a specific font.
answered on Apr 18, 2019
Based on the facts we have, it sounds like a trademark. Specificaly, it sounds like two trademarks, a word (standard character) mark containing just the characters and a design (special form) mark containing the logo. Remember that trademarks/service marks are for distinguishing goods and... View More
On private property I didn’t know on my dirtbike. Man runs out and tries to push me off of my bike. That’s illegal right? Don’t they have to ask me to leave first? Then if I don’t they can use minimal force right? Also if they come out and stop me in my tracks there not aloud to just start... View More
answered on Jan 18, 2019
It's difficult to answer detailed hypothetical questions in the absence of context. You might try a phone call instead. It doesn't seem that you are charged with a crime. So it does not look like a criminal law question. If you're charged with a crime, that usually defines the... View More
I am a CAD designer for a large company and was instrument in contributing to the patent IP. There are multiple patents I have been excluded from.
answered on Nov 30, 2018
If you made an inventive contribution to a patent, then you cannot be excluded from it. However, improper inventorship on an issued patent can cause the patent to be unenforceable. For that reason, patent attorneys and companies generally try to make sure all inventors are included on an... View More
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