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New Jersey Copyright Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for New Jersey on
Q: Can u parody oompa loompa song for an ad on a new product that has nothing to do with the song. Title rhymes w product.
James L. Arrasmith
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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

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for New Jersey on
Q: Can I make a parody of the oompaa loompa song without licensing?
James L. Arrasmith
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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

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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for New Jersey on
Q: Can I make a parody of the oompaa loompa song without licensing?
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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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3 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for New Jersey on
Q: I am a lyricist. ASCAP and BMI only protect performances of completed compositions. What entities protect lyricists?

I intend to seek a copyright for my work before moving forward.

James L. Arrasmith
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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

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3 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for New Jersey on
Q: I am a lyricist. ASCAP and BMI only protect performances of completed compositions. What entities protect lyricists?

I intend to seek a copyright for my work before moving forward.

Emmanuel Coffy
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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

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3 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for New Jersey on
Q: I am a lyricist. ASCAP and BMI only protect performances of completed compositions. What entities protect lyricists?

I intend to seek a copyright for my work before moving forward.

Leonard R. Boyer
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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

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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for New Jersey on
Q: A university copied a course that I made and offering online to hundreds of students. How do I sue for copyright breach?

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

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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for New Jersey on
Q: A university copied a course that I made and offering online to hundreds of students. How do I sue for copyright breach?

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for New Jersey on
Q: I have a question regarding copyright infringement.

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

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1 Answer | Asked in Intellectual Property and Copyright for New Jersey on
Q: Can a crafter claim copyright on items they created with mass produced, publicly available supplies?

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for New Jersey on
Q: copyright infringement / examiner oversight

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

Emmanuel Coffy
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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...
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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for New Jersey on
Q: copyright infringement / examiner oversight

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

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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,... View 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... View 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... View 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.... View 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?

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... View 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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1 Answer | Asked in Products Liability, Copyright and Trademark for New Jersey on
Q: Is it legal to sell a product that has already been made? Even though I’d be making it myself but changing the name

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

Emmanuel Coffy
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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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright for New Jersey on
Q: I am seeking per to mission to use a statement on a Vera Neumann table runner to have the image printed on a single

single piece of fabric. I use Vera housewares to make art quilts.

Emmanuel Coffy
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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...
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