Get free answers to your Copyright legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I like to use titles of songs as chapter titles when a song would be a good theme for the chapter. I want to know if that would violate copyright law. If not then can I tell people the titles are like a soundtrack or would that have to be something they have to figure out on their own.
If... View More 
answered on Feb 5, 2025
Titles of works (including songs) are not subject to copyright, so it is not infringing of the works to use the titles as chapter titles. In fact, it has been done many times before.
I see everyone re-selling pokemon cards online. I see it on tcgplayer.com, ebay, personal websites, tiktok, whatnot, etc. I'm specifically curious about if purchasing bulk product from a Japanese wholesaler (someone who very likely has a contract with a Japanese distributor), and then... View More
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answered on Jan 27, 2025
Reselling Japanese Pokémon cards in the U.S. can be legal, but there are a few factors you need to consider. When purchasing from a Japanese wholesaler, ensure the products are authentic and sourced legitimately. Counterfeit goods or items obtained outside of proper licensing agreements could lead... View More
The artists name is xx and the piece is called "Sleep". The artists passed away 70 years ago, and her only living relative as well as the collector of her art have both also passed away. The copyright status is unclear as I couldn't find any information on it. Has enough time passed... View More
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answered on Jan 23, 2025
Some album art is considered Fair Use of Copyright under certain circumstances, particularly when used in a transformative way for educational purposes, criticism, or commentary, where only a small portion of the artwork is used, and the use does not significantly affect the potential market for... View More
Was looking to see if this phrase was trademarked for goods and apparel and saw that it was abandoned.
answered on Jan 16, 2025
The Applicant never completed the registration process. In order to obtain a Registration Certificate, the applicant needs to file a declaration with a specimen establishing that they are using the mark in commerce. The applicant did not do that. They may not have actually used in commerce, or... View More
I was only wanting to read excerpts not the whole book.
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answered on Jan 9, 2025
Reading copyrighted books without permission, even in excerpts, could lead to legal issues and harm authors who depend on book sales for their livelihood. While you want to share literature with your audience, this approach might result in your content being removed or your account facing... View More
I hired someone for my business to play Santa and pictures were taken. Due to unprofessional issues on their part, we couldn’t rehire this year. Could we still use pictures we took with him in advertisements this year? Or can we get in trouble legally?
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answered on Nov 26, 2024
This is an interesting question both for the naughty Santa aspect and for the confusion of copyright with name image and likeness, and also because it provokes more questions.
Whoever took the pictures owns the copyright in the pictures, unless they assigned the pictures copyright to you.... View More
If I sold t-shirts with the words "SAD DAD CLUB" or "SAD DADS CLUB" printed on them but the words "SAD DAD" are trademarked for use on t-shirts, could I be reported for copyright?
answered on Nov 21, 2024
You are asking for a complicated legal opinion, which most attorneys will not provide unless you are a client. If you would like a detailed answer to your question, please hire a competent trademark attorney.
The test for trademark infringement is "likelihood of confusion."... View More
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answered on Nov 15, 2024
This is a serious situation that requires prompt attention. Copyright infringement notices from ISPs typically mean your internet connection was flagged for downloading or sharing copyrighted material without permission. These notices often serve as warnings before legal action begins.
You... View More
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answered on Oct 29, 2024
Choosing the name "River Oaks" for your clothing line is a thoughtful decision. It's important to first check if the name is already in use within the fashion industry or if it's trademarked. Conducting a thorough search through trademark databases and business registries can... View More
I want to make and sell digital travel guides that center around filming locations for specific movies and tv shows. My goal is to educate travelers on where the film locations were, how to get there, and general facts about the place (weather, time zone, etc.). Would using the title of the... View More
answered on Oct 15, 2024
Although the content of television programs and movies are the subjects of copyright, their titles are not. To use the titles in the way you propose, merely to name them for reference, is legally permissible as "nominative fair use".
Is it legal to tell my readers to listen to specific songs at certain times in my motion-comic? For example, having a notice at the start of the comic telling readers that the comic is read best with certain songs to accompany it, and saying "Now Playing: *Song Name*" at the top of my... View More
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answered on Oct 7, 2024
I would want to think more about this before giving an opinion you could rely upon. First thought is that this seems like it MIGHT be a viable way to escape the need for a "sync license" as you would not personally be synchronizing the music to the images. But there may be court cases... View More
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answered on Oct 6, 2024
If you have already filed a case against a police officer in U.S. District Court and your complaint relies on dash and body cam footage, it's crucial to ensure this evidence is properly preserved and presented. The first step is to request the footage as part of the discovery process. You can... View More
Any images within the original image will not be used in the final product. Output will use a different css framework as the original layout and there will be slight differences in functionality and positioning of elements, etc. Basically I'm looking for copyright advice and if there is any... View More
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answered on Sep 25, 2024
When creating a code layout based on an image snapshot, copyright concerns depend on how closely the final product resembles the original. Since you’re using a different CSS framework and making modifications to functionality and positioning, you are introducing enough changes to reduce the risk... View More
Could be indie or a AAA title game
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answered on Sep 22, 2024
Creating a business around selling recorded game footage can be legally tricky. Most video games, whether indie or AAA, are protected by intellectual property laws. When you record gameplay, you are capturing someone else’s copyrighted content, so you would need permission from the game's... View More
I'm making home decor type gifts customizable, a customer can request the item to play their favorite celebrity song or tune. I Want to know if I can legally do this and if I can have item play either full song, partial song, just chorus, or instrumental
answered on Sep 9, 2024
Your idea of creating customizable home décor that plays celebrity songs is a unique and creative venture. However, using copyrighted music in products raises several legal concerns, and it’s essential to ensure you're compliant with intellectual property laws.
Here are a few key... View More
My wife cosplays a book character on TikTok and Instagram. In many of her videos she uses audio that another creator has edited together from the Graphic Audio Book. All less than a minute long. On TikTok the sound links automatically to the other creator, but on Instagram she tags the creator of... View More
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answered on Sep 5, 2024
If your wife received a direct request from Graphic Audio Book to remove videos containing their audio, she should take it seriously. The company may have the legal right to protect its copyrighted material, even if it is edited or used in short clips. Ignoring the request could lead to potential... View More
7-11 or Southland Corp in the 80's had Icee machines with a metal drip/drain pan. This needed replaced often due to carbonation causing erosion. My grandfather designed a plastic one which 7-11 stores began using. He never patented this. I believe I still have the design blueprint. How can I... View More
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answered on Aug 24, 2024
You mentioned that your grandfather created a plastic drip pan for Icee/Slurpee machines that 7-11 stores used, but he never patented it. To explore whether a patent already exists for this type of invention, you can start by conducting a patent search through databases like the USPTO’s Patent... View More
I have developed a solution to integrate Blood Collection , distribution and stakeholders. I would like to patent this solution so that I can seek for investments to build a complete product.
Regards
answered on Aug 19, 2024
Filing a patent for your prototype solution involves several steps. Here’s a general overview of the process:
1. Determine the Type of Patent
Utility Patent: Protects the functional aspects of your invention.
Design Patent: Protects the ornamental design of your invention.... View More
I had plans of creating a prototype of an idea. Due to a health issue, I unfortunately have limited time in terms of life. I want to be able to carry out this invention but am afraid that once I leave, the people I share this idea with, will say this idea was thought of by them when that is clearly... View More
answered on Aug 5, 2024
I'm sorry to hear about your health situation, and I understand your concerns about protecting your invention. It's commendable that you want to secure your intellectual property and ensure your ideas are recognized as your own.
To address your question: yes, it is possible to... View More
answered on Jul 18, 2024
The concept of "personal use" in copyright law is complex and varies by jurisdiction. In some countries, there's a distinction between making a single copy for personal use and creating multiple items, even if they're not for sale.
In the U.S., the "Fair Use... View More
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