For two years I worked at a dog training company. During this time I took photos and videos of the dogs and training for my personal social media, the companies, and for owner updates. When a past employee left the company she was told she wasn’t allowed to keep the images posted to her social... View More
answered on Mar 2, 2024
When you create content such as photos and videos while working for a company, the ownership of that content often depends on the terms of your employment and any agreements you might have signed. In the absence of a specific contract regarding media rights, the situation can become complex.... View More
I have written a book and hired an illustrator to create artwork for each chapter. The book is very tongue-in-cheek, and the illustrations are whimsical. One of the chapters is about group resources, such as support groups. There is a movie that has a support group scene, and I was hoping to... View More
answered on Feb 21, 2024
Including characters from a movie or a room from a reality show in your illustrations could potentially infringe on copyright or intellectual property rights, depending on the specific circumstances. While your illustrations may be whimsical and cartoony, if the characters or settings are... View More
answered on Feb 21, 2024
It sounds like you're dealing with a challenging situation with Big Games LLC. When a company issues a false DMCA notice against you, it can indeed be frustrating and concerning. However, it's positive that you took action by issuing a counter notice through Bespoke Plush LLC. This step... View More
It is a cool idea, I am really interested in selling my idea of a product but I don't know if I would get in legal trouble with SEGA, the owners of sonic the hedgehog
answered on Jan 28, 2024
When considering selling a product that involves a character like Sonic the Hedgehog, it's important to be aware of intellectual property rights. Sonic is a trademarked character owned by SEGA, and using it without permission could lead to legal issues.
Before proceeding, you should... View More
Can we use the words "Mickey Mouse"?
Can he have different clothes on my drawings?
What exactly are the limitations?
answered on Jan 12, 2024
With the expiration of the copyright for "Steamboat Willie," the specific version of Mickey Mouse as he appeared in that 1928 film has entered the public domain. This means you can use the characteristics of Mickey Mouse as depicted in that particular film, including his design and... View More
Can we use the words "Mickey Mouse"?
Can he have different clothes on my drawings?
What exactly are the limitations?
answered on Jan 12, 2024
Honestly, this is work. This falls under the category of business. You can still find highly rated and experienced attorneys who do entertainment law here on Justia. Look for attorneys in smaller areas, still Metropolitan areas, where the cost of living is not so high. You get more for your... View More
Long story short I want to create youtube videos of RANDOM and just RANDOM content while using ex: Flash cowl. Just the top part of the mask not even the one that covers the whole face. I will use a different name, and although use some mannerisms, it will be obvious it is pure satire/parody. I got... View More
answered on Jan 11, 2024
Using elements of a copyrighted superhero character, such as the Flash's cowl, in your content can be legally risky, even if you're only using part of the costume and intend it as satire or parody. Copyright law protects original works of authorship, including characters and their... View More
MIcrosoft copyright guidelines state that portions of screenshots cannot be used. I have a need to show many specific, zoomed in areas of the Excel interface
answered on Dec 19, 2023
In the United States, the use of copyrighted material, such as Excel screenshots, for educational purposes may fall under the category of "fair use." However, this is a complex area of law and depends on various factors, including the purpose of use, the nature of the copyrighted work,... View More
The company who copied our website is registered in Georgia
answered on Dec 4, 2023
In cases of copyright infringement, such as someone copying your website, the first step is to document the infringement thoroughly. This means taking screenshots or saving copies of the infringing website, and noting any direct similarities to your own site.
Next, consider sending a cease... View More
im thinking about a restaurant called H&V (heroes and villains) using my own personal collection of figures and comics to display would this be against copyright or trademark laws no names will ever be used
answered on Nov 13, 2023
Creating a superhero/supervillain-themed restaurant like H&V, using your personal collection of figures and comics for display, can be a complex matter in terms of copyright and trademark laws. The key issue is whether the use of these items could be seen as infringing on the intellectual... View More
Indonesian Broadcaster MOLATV gave me a copyright Strike on my channel. The UFC itself did not. Do they have the right to do that? Would me filing a dispute work? I see tons of that content on YouTube and nothing happened to other people. Do you think it’s just a scare tactic?
answered on Nov 12, 2023
In copyright matters, broadcasters like MOLATV may have rights to content, such as a UFC fight, in certain regions. If MOLATV holds the broadcasting rights for the UFC content in Indonesia, they may enforce copyright claims on platforms like YouTube.
The fact that UFC itself did not issue... View More
People ask me for this. No picture is sold, just my time and supplies.
answered on Nov 8, 2023
Hosting a paint party where participants paint the Grinch's face involves copyright considerations, as the character is protected intellectual property. If you are providing instruction and supplies for individuals to create their own paintings for personal use, it generally falls under... View More
If I can not read a copy righted work in whole can I read exserts from it as part of a book review or discussion group?
answered on Nov 3, 2023
I would caution against reading the book, or portions thereof, aloud publicly on a platform where you are receiving revenue. Under copyright law, a copyright owner is given sole and exclusive rights to reproduce the work, create derivative works, perform the work, display the work, or to authorize... View More
If I can not read a copy righted work in whole can I read exserts from it as part of a book review or discussion group?
answered on Nov 4, 2023
Reading a copyrighted book in its entirety on a platform like YouTube or Twitch, especially when revenue is involved, may lead to copyright infringement claims. It's generally not permitted unless you have obtained explicit permission from the copyright holder.
However, reading... View More
I'm planning to create an IP of and episodic TV show and am planning on giving the company full creative control, apart from a creation credit, if possible. However, I'm not entirely sure what I need, besides the IP of course.
answered on Oct 26, 2023
To sell an IP to a broadcasting company, beyond the intellectual property rights, you should have a well-structured pitch or presentation that outlines the concept, target audience, and potential value of the TV show. A clear and compelling pilot script or episode outline can significantly enhance... View More
I will not use the Networks logo just the letters printed on my jacket. Is this legal or does Warner own the letter combination?
answered on Oct 18, 2023
Copyright law does not protect short words or phrases, so you would probably not have to worry about a copyright claim arising from such a use of these letters. Trademark law does protect short words and phrases, though, and Cable News Network, Inc. owns an existing trademark registration for... View More
I will not use the Networks logo just the letters printed on my jacket. Is this legal or does Warner own the letter combination?
answered on Oct 16, 2023
Yes, you can put the letters CNN on your jacket without violating copyright. Copyright law protects original works of authorship, such as literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works. The letters CNN are not an original work of authorship, so they are not protected by copyright. However, Warner... View More
I started working on my brand Ghosted in July, I used Canva fonts and everything for the logo and worked long and hard and got samples and on 8/25 I ordered my first order of 360 units. I own the LLC Ghosted, have the trademark filed for Ghosted for apparel, and this morning I also filed a... View More
answered on Sep 11, 2023
Given your description, it appears you have taken significant steps to legally protect your brand, including forming an LLC and filing for trademark protections for both your brand name and logo. In trademark law, the key issue often revolves around who used the mark first in commerce; since you... View More
If I am using a font that has been recreated by someone (but it looks *almost* identical) and I decide to create a formal 501c3 nonprofit public charity named "Rain'bow" (as an example) and create a logo using that name with that similar StarTrek font, would that be risky regarding... View More
answered on Sep 4, 2023
Even if you don't use the words "Star" or "Trek," using a font that is closely associated with or identical to the one used in the Star Trek franchise could pose a risk of copyright or trademark infringement. The key issues would be whether the use of the font creates a... View More
I'm wanting to create a LEGO video game and I emailed them but they said to look at their Fair Play policies and I read it but it isn't clear on video games and they said if i was unsure to ask a lawyer or someone who knows the law.
answered on Aug 8, 2023
LEGO makes locking bricks, which are rather obviously not video games. Other companies make locking bricks, so it's fine to use imagery of locking bricks for your video game. If you want to specifically use the LEGO name or identifiers in your video game and sell it, you are effectively using... View More
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