Get free answers to your Copyright legal questions from lawyers in your area.
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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 
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answered on Mar 5, 2024
Yes, creating a parody of the "Oompa Loompa" song from "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" may not require licensing under U.S. copyright law, thanks to the doctrine of fair use. Fair use allows for the use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright... View More
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answered on Mar 4, 2024
Creating a parody of a copyrighted work, including songs like the Oompa Loompa song from "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory," falls under a specific category of use that can be considered fair use under copyright law. Fair use allows for the use of copyrighted material without... View More
I intend to seek a copyright for my work before moving forward.
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answered on Feb 26, 2024
You really need to have your lyrics copyrighted. Pick the best attorney you can find and remember one rule: a good attorney is generally never cheap, and a cheap attorney is generally never good so don't choose based on price. With modern technology, you can be represented by any high-quality... View More
I intend to seek a copyright for my work before moving forward.
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answered on Feb 26, 2024
Protecting your work as a lyricist is crucial to ensuring you retain control over your creations and are compensated appropriately for its use. While ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) and BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) are performance rights organizations (PROs) that... View More
I intend to seek a copyright for my work before moving forward.
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answered on Feb 25, 2024
As a lyricist looking to protect your work, it's essential to understand that copyright law is your primary shield. In the United States, the Copyright Office grants copyrights for original works of authorship, including lyrics. Once your lyrics are fixed in a tangible medium of expression,... 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 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 21, 2024
To sue the university for copyright infringement, you would need to gather evidence to support your claim. This includes documentation proving that you created the original course, such as lesson plans, syllabi, and other course materials. Additionally, you should collect any correspondence or... View More
I own a set of original 35MM photograph slides, which I want to put into a book to self-publish and reproduce. Since I am not the original owner of these slides, do I have the right to fully use them to my advantage?
The slides I bought were from online auctions, which originated from... View More
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answered on Jan 12, 2024
Owning physical copies of photographs, such as 35mm slides, does not automatically grant you the copyright to these images. The copyright of a photograph typically belongs to the photographer who created it, or their heirs if the photographer has passed away. This copyright usually includes the... 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 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 29, 2023
You may have grounds to challenge the validity of the copyright based on the examiner's initial letter indicating reasons for rejection. Such evidence could be persuasive in showing that the work should not have been copyrighted in the first place, thereby negating claims of infringement.... 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
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answered on May 2, 2023
The use of "Apollo" as a brand name will depend on various factors, including the nature of your business and the goods or services you offer. It's possible that the term "Apollo" is already registered as a trademark by another company in your industry, in which case you... 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
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?
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answered on Mar 29, 2023
The first step in filing for copyright protection for an ongoing activity or event is to determine if the work is eligible for copyright protection. Generally, original works of authorship that are fixed in a tangible medium of expression are eligible for copyright protection. Once it is determined... View More
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
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
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