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New Jersey Copyright Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for New Jersey on
Q: Are the bluey images and text copyrighted?

I make cups with bluey images on them. Are bluey images copyrighted?

N'kia (NLN)
N'kia (NLN)
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,... Read more »

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3 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Trademark and Intellectual Property for New Jersey on
Q: can I use Apollo for my brand
James L. Arrasmith
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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... Read more »

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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for New Jersey on
Q: Can you get hit with a copyright infringement for whats sent in a groupchat? What about what you show people in person?

I’m a YouTuber and I’m curious what is fair use and what isn’t.

James L. Arrasmith
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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... Read more »

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Business Law, Intellectual Property and Trademark for New Jersey on
Q: If my dogs name is Tater, can I bake a chicken and cheese treat named Tater’s Tots?
Leonard R. Boyer
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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.... Read more »

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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for New Jersey on
Q: What are the first steps in filing for the copyright of an activity or event that will be on-going?

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?

Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
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...
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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for New Jersey on
Q: What are the first steps in filing for the copyright of an activity or event that will be on-going?

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?

James L. Arrasmith
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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... Read more »

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Copyright and Criminal Law for New Jersey on
Q: Is it legal to buy counterfeit jerseys for personal use ? What statute or act states or enforces such act ?
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
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.

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Gaming, Intellectual Property and Patents (Intellectual Property) for New Jersey on
Q: Can I patent a game that has open domain IPs such as Santa Clause? I’m making a game where Santa is the main villain

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.

Leonard R. Boyer
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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.

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright for New Jersey on
Q: 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.

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?... Read more »

Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Communications Law for New Jersey on
Q: Is background music copyrighted if Video live feeding a parade to a YouTube channel?

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... Read more »

Leonard R. Boyer
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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... Read more »

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright for New Jersey on
Q: can u make a parody of a 4 line verse of a song & use it as a jingle?

This has to do with IP and the fair use act doctrine.

Marcos Garciaacosta
Marcos Garciaacosta
answered on Oct 4, 2021

Maybe

You should consult with an attorney

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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for New Jersey on
Q: Can Shopify even do this? What are my legal options here?

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... Read more »

Marcos Garciaacosta
Marcos Garciaacosta
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

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Internet Law for New Jersey on
Q: Can I read children's books on sites like Youtube? If so, am I also allowed to display the pages of the book for viewer

Is reading a children's book online legal as long as you aren't trying to monetize it? (New Jersey)

Marcos Garciaacosta
Marcos Garciaacosta
answered on Jun 7, 2021

Monetizing has nothing to do with copyright violation.

You should be careful and consult with an attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright for New Jersey on
Q: i've unknowingly sold items on etsy that infringe on a copyright. What should i do, and what could the penalties be?
Marcos Garciaacosta
Marcos Garciaacosta
answered on Jun 2, 2021

You should contact with an attorney.

Statutory penalties can be up to $100,000 per violation.

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright for New Jersey on
Q: Stolen art work, I did a logo for customer who then disappeared.

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?

Jason Brooks
Jason Brooks
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... Read more »

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Copyright and Criminal Law for New Jersey on
Q: Can i be sued after removing a photo at the client's request?

I posted a picture of my client, no face, no identifying markers. I thought I had permission based on a text conversation because she did not sign a media release. she asked me to remove it, i did immediately, she wrote me after and said she is suing me (after the photo was removed). Can I still... Read more »

James A. Abate
James A. Abate
answered on Apr 29, 2021

More information is needed. But anyone can sue, whether they have a serious claim is another thing.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Copyright, Patents (Intellectual Property) and Trademark for New Jersey on
Q: I have a pillow Design that describes similar to the "neck pillow "but my description and purpose are slightly different

Do I require a patent, and or would I' be infringing on neck pillow patent. & can my design and purpose be protected as an IP 2B sold or licensed out?

Peter D. Mlynek
Peter D. Mlynek
answered on Feb 15, 2021

Whether you infringe and whether you need a patent are two different subjects.

With regards to infringing of a patent of another product you need to see a patent attorney, who will provide you with a non-infringement opinion. The patent attorney will take a look at your product and at the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Trademark for New Jersey on
Q: I have a youtube channel called VossWaterKim, do you think if I get bigger I'll have an incoming copyright strike?
Steve Charles Vondran
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answered on Oct 29, 2020

hard to say. I would ask, what are you trying to accomplish? Maybe you can come up with something unique?

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright for New Jersey on
Q: If an apparel company is called i.e "New York Spins Fastest", is it legal to start a brand called "Spain Spins Fastest"?

Basically, is it legal to exchange the first word and make a new brand out of it (whether it's Spain, Texas etc)? I was about to make a new brand when it came to my attention that there is already a brand with a very similar name- and it's apparel as well. The original company is... Read more »

Evelyn Suero
Evelyn Suero
answered on Aug 26, 2020

Using a trademark that is very similar to an existing trademark in the same class/category may be at risk for a claim of trademark infringement and dilution. Moreover, the USPTO may reject the trademark application due to a likelihood of confusion with a registered trademark. Consult with a... Read more »

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Constitutional Law for New Jersey on
Q: The other day I was filmed without consent in a Laughing situation Not a serious money and I want to know if I can sue
Marcos Garciaacosta
Marcos Garciaacosta
answered on Aug 17, 2020

You can always sue, but it is probably not worth it unless it is affecting you substantially and you can quantify it

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