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People made me sign a document. I can provide details but it would never be believed. I only know that people made me sign a document and then left my house quickly. I do not know who they were. I do not know what I signed. Is there any advice to me on finding out what I signed? Once again...... View More 
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answered on Aug 24, 2024
It sounds like a very troubling situation, and it's important to take action to protect yourself. The first thing you can do is check for any physical copies of the document in your home. Look through all your papers to see if there’s anything unfamiliar. If you can't find anything,... View More
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answered on Mar 5, 2024
Parodying a song for commercial purposes requires careful navigation of copyright and trademark laws, even when the intent is to create a humorous or satirical advertisement. When you consider using a melody or lyrics similar to the "Oompa Loompa" song from "Charlie and the Chocolate... View More
I am a university professor. I created a graduate course that I grew over time and it became very popular attracting 200+ students. I then had to take medical leave. After returning I have discovered that the university has made an online version of my course and are offering it to hundreds of... View More
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answered on Feb 18, 2024
Suing for copyright infringement involves several steps and considerations, especially in the context of academic work and the agreements that might exist between faculty members and their institutions. Before proceeding, it's crucial to understand the specific circumstances of your case,... View More
I have online craft stores. A part of my inventory is jewelry, created with supplies that are mass produced and imported from overseas (lockets, charms, necklaces, etc). I often combine these items (ie: add a charm to the face of a locket) and add glow material to make it glow in the dark
I... View More
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answered on Dec 21, 2023
In New Jersey, as in other parts of the United States, copyright law can be complex, especially when it comes to craft items made from mass-produced components. Copyright protection does not extend to items made from commonly available supplies simply arranged or combined without significant... View More
I’d like to start my own business selling dog bandanas with a scrunchie back rather than a knot, which I saw the idea from company Hunnypotpup. I also wanted to make matching scrunchies with it, which that idea comes from the Foggy dog. I believe they are both trademarked. Is it legal to use both... View More
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answered on Aug 28, 2023
Here are some general points to consider based on your description:
Trademark vs. Copyright vs. Patent:
Trademark protects brand names, logos, and other brand identifiers from being used by others. It doesn't protect the idea or concept itself.
Copyright protects... View More
single piece of fabric. I use Vera housewares to make art quilts.
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answered on Aug 25, 2023
If you're seeking to use a copyrighted design from a Vera Neumann table runner in your art quilts, there are several aspects you'll need to consider. Here's a comprehensive response and guideline on how to proceed:
Copyright Considerations:
Vera Neumann's designs... View More
I am sued for copyright infringement.
I requested, paid for, and received the original registration documents, the deposits, and the correspondence from the congress library about the specific copyright. It looks like the examiner made a mistake and oversight on his part (18 years ago),... View More
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answered on Aug 22, 2023
Based on your description, you seem to be suggesting that there was a potential error made by the Copyright Office in registering a work that was previously indicated to be ineligible for copyright. Here are some general points to consider:
Validity of the Copyright: Copyright registrations... View More
I make cups with bluey images on them. Are bluey images copyrighted?
answered on May 2, 2023
Generally, copyright belongs to the creator or author from the moment they create or author something, whether they register it or not, and you can only use something for commercial purposes if you created it, bought it, or "licensed" it. (There are some exceptions to the general rules,... View More
I’m a YouTuber and I’m curious what is fair use and what isn’t.
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answered on Mar 29, 2023
It is possible to be hit with a copyright infringement claim for sharing copyrighted material in a group chat or showing it to people in person without permission. Fair use is a legal doctrine that allows for limited use of copyrighted material without the owner's permission for specific... View More
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answered on Mar 25, 2023
NO you cannot do so. The name "Tater Tot" is a registered trademark of Ore-Ida. You would end up paying a significant sum of money since you would be infringement of their trademark. What you need to do is develop a business plan and a different name for your product that is catchy.... View More
Also includes the words "the new" at the beginning and the word "revue" at the end; (i.e, the new.......revue). As a tribute to the orginal activity, which is no longer in business, would this be an infringement issue?
answered on Mar 13, 2023
It would not be infringing to use the name or trademark of a company that is no longer in business, and even if it were, the use would be "nominative fair use" which means you are simply naming it for identification purposes.
The title format "the new ... revue" could... View More
answered on Jun 7, 2022
Assuming that you mean jerseys bearing the registered trademark of a sports team, it is the seller of infringing goods who is liable for the trademark infringement, not the buyer.
I am making the story unique and bringing my own twist on Christmas and a dark tale of horror with my own unique characters and ideas.
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answered on May 14, 2022
Your situation requires more facts and to determine what you can due without getting into serious legal problems, you must retain an experienced patent law attorney. With modern technology, you can be represented by any high-quality attorney in New Jersey irrespective of geography.
If I take a video I do not own the rights to and pause it. Then take a screenshot of something in it, like two people. However you only see their bodies no faces. Then I take that screenshot from the video and turn it into artwork, like a drawing or painting. Can I sell that as my own art work?... View More
answered on Mar 3, 2022
What you propose does not infringe the copyright in the video from which you captured a freeze frame.
First, even if you reproduced the screenshot itself, that would be permissible under the "fair use" doctrine; and
Second, your artistic revisions to the screenshot have... View More
I plan on Live feeding the Mummers Day Parade in Pennsylvania to my Youtube channel. The marching bands play music and there is other background music in the parade. Would those music sources be considered "fair use" for News Reporting of the event?
My channel is mostly outdoor... View More
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answered on Dec 3, 2021
This is not a simple question and it may not be cost-effective to retain counsel. But you need to play it safe and make sure you have written consent to record. Fair use is a complex issue. Your channel is for profit, and unless you have the proper corporate entity for your YouTube channel, you... View More
This has to do with IP and the fair use act doctrine.
Shopify took down my listing on my website based on a DMCA takedown notice which doesn’t have any contact information, sender’s name or signature!! Is this even considered a valid notice? They are asking me to file a counter, but my question is whom do I file counter to? I don’t even know who... View More
answered on Aug 18, 2021
Yes they can
They do not want to be in the position of deciding who is the rightful owner of the intellectual property
Is reading a children's book online legal as long as you aren't trying to monetize it? (New Jersey)
answered on Jun 7, 2021
Monetizing has nothing to do with copyright violation.
You should be careful and consult with an attorney.
answered on Jun 2, 2021
You should contact with an attorney.
Statutory penalties can be up to $100,000 per violation.
I recently saw 5 of his vehicles with my logo on them. I found his address and sent him an invoice. Never heard back.
Can I sue to have him either pay the invoice or remove the logos?
answered on May 10, 2021
Yes so long as you can demonstrate that you actually created the logo for him and that you were to be paid for your services, you have evidence a contract existed between you two. This can be shown through the chain of communications you likely have with him. Did he ever agree on your fee prior to... View More
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