Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Copyright legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Copyright Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for North Carolina on
Q: Greetings all, would desperately love to hear your expert opinions. I have this original artwork

Greetings all, would desperately love to hear your expert opinions.

I have this original artwork that was done by a patented printing process and was purchased and commissioned by the family.

I purchased the original artwork from the original owners who had this commissioned as... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 27, 2024

To provide the most accurate advice for your situation, it's important to consider several factors regarding copyright law and the specific details of your artwork. Here's an analysis of the key points:

1. Copyright duration:

In the United States, for works created before...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for North Carolina on
Q: Greetings all, would desperately love to hear your expert opinions. I have this original artwork

Greetings all, would desperately love to hear your expert opinions.

I have this original artwork that was done by a patented printing process and was purchased and commissioned by the family.

I purchased the original artwork from the original owners who had this commissioned as... View More

Bao Tran
PREMIUM
Bao Tran
answered on Jul 25, 2024

Based on the information provided, here's an analysis of your situation regarding the reproduction and potential copyright of the artwork:

Original Artwork Ownership:

You have purchased the physical artwork and have a bill of sale, which gives you ownership of the physical...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Tennessee on
Q: If someone is using the word Steelers in a new “business” adventure because he loves the Steelers can he be shut down?

Like is this copy infringement of the name. Its called “Steelers auto detailing” his photo he’s using for advertisement is also black and yellow…

Bao Tran
PREMIUM
Bao Tran
answered on Jul 25, 2024

Using the word "Steelers" in a business name, such as "Steelers Auto Detailing," and incorporating black and yellow colors, raises several legal concerns, particularly related to trademark infringement and the right of publicity. Here's an analysis based on the provided... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Tennessee on
Q: If someone is using the word Steelers in a new “business” adventure because he loves the Steelers can he be shut down?

Like is this copy infringement of the name. Its called “Steelers auto detailing” his photo he’s using for advertisement is also black and yellow…

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 26, 2024

To answer this question, we need to consider trademark law and how it applies to this situation. Here's a breakdown of the key points:

1. Trademark protection: The term "Steelers" is likely a registered trademark of the Pittsburgh Steelers NFL team. Sports teams vigorously...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property on
Q: I made a remix of a song from a person involved in a controversy, how bad can I be sued ?

I am seeking legal advice regarding a parody I created of a song for a fun TikTok video. Given the recent controversy surrounding the original artist, I wanted to what can be held against me. Could you please advise me on whether my parody qualifies as fair use and what specific elements of the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 26, 2024

I'll provide some general information about parodies and copyright law, but please note that this is more of a guideline rather than targeted legal advice. For specific guidance on your situation, you should consult with a copyright attorney.

Fair Use and Parodies:

Parodies can...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property on
Q: I made a remix of a song from a person involved in a controversy, how bad can I be sued ?

I am seeking legal advice regarding a parody I created of a song for a fun TikTok video. Given the recent controversy surrounding the original artist, I wanted to what can be held against me. Could you please advise me on whether my parody qualifies as fair use and what specific elements of the... View More

Bao Tran
PREMIUM
Bao Tran
answered on Jul 25, 2024

Based on the information provided and the search results, here's an analysis of your situation:

Fair Use and Parody:

Parodies can potentially qualify as fair use under copyright law, but this is determined on a case-by-case basis .

To be considered a parody, your work...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark on
Q: Could we get sued by Konami for using a Yu-Gi-Oh card in a music video?

I'm in a band that has a pretty big global fanbase and is growing indefinitely. We're about to shoot a new music video for an upcoming album and I wanted to use a You-Gi-Oh card in it for like a 2 second shot (just a shot of us playing the game and a card gets shown). I just wanted to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 26, 2024

To answer this question, we need to consider a few factors:

1. Fair Use: In some cases, brief use of copyrighted material can be considered "fair use," especially if it's incidental and not the main focus of the work. A 2-second shot might fall under this category.

2....
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark on
Q: Could we get sued by Konami for using a Yu-Gi-Oh card in a music video?

I'm in a band that has a pretty big global fanbase and is growing indefinitely. We're about to shoot a new music video for an upcoming album and I wanted to use a You-Gi-Oh card in it for like a 2 second shot (just a shot of us playing the game and a card gets shown). I just wanted to... View More

Bao Tran
PREMIUM
Bao Tran
answered on Jul 25, 2024

Based on the information provided, using a Yu-Gi-Oh card in your music video could potentially lead to legal issues with Konami. Here's an analysis of the situation:

Copyright and Trademark Concerns:

Yu-Gi-Oh cards are protected by copyright and trademark laws owned by Konami....
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Business Law, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Wisconsin on
Q: If I designed a logo for a small business with plans to expand, but wasn't paid, can I force them to stop using my work?

The situation is messy. I went into business with my sister. She had a partnership with another sister, but the other sister left the business. So she asked me to join. We had a verbal agreement. It was promised that I'd become a partner, or we may renegotiate for me to have a stake in... View More

Bao Tran
PREMIUM
Bao Tran
answered on Jul 25, 2024

Based on the situation you've described, there are several legal considerations to address:

Copyright ownership:

Your husband, as the creator of the logo, automatically owns the copyright to his work unless there was a written agreement transferring those rights....
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Business Law, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Wisconsin on
Q: If I designed a logo for a small business with plans to expand, but wasn't paid, can I force them to stop using my work?

The situation is messy. I went into business with my sister. She had a partnership with another sister, but the other sister left the business. So she asked me to join. We had a verbal agreement. It was promised that I'd become a partner, or we may renegotiate for me to have a stake in... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 26, 2024

This situation involves several complex legal issues. Let's break it down:

1. Copyright ownership:

Generally, the creator of a work (in this case, your husband who designed the logo) owns the copyright unless there's an agreement transferring those rights. Since there was...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark on
Q: can we use the name 'Goosebumps' for a different project which involves creating a bank of stories?

We are creating a story bank which includes the stories of all the artisans working for our company. The story bank is going to be named 'Goosebumps'. But this name is already a registered IP. The story bank for now is only for internal use but will be published for the public in the... View More

Bao Tran
PREMIUM
Bao Tran
answered on Jul 25, 2024

Based on the information provided and the search results, using the name "Goosebumps" for your story bank project could potentially lead to legal issues. Here's an analysis of the situation:

Trademark Protection:

"Goosebumps" is a registered trademark owned...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark on
Q: can we use the name 'Goosebumps' for a different project which involves creating a bank of stories?

We are creating a story bank which includes the stories of all the artisans working for our company. The story bank is going to be named 'Goosebumps'. But this name is already a registered IP. The story bank for now is only for internal use but will be published for the public in the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 25, 2024

This is a complex intellectual property question that requires careful consideration. Here's an overview of the key legal issues to be aware of:

1. Trademark protection: "Goosebumps" is likely a registered trademark owned by Scholastic Inc. for their popular children's...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Virginia on
Q: Can I republish information from a State agency website/publication?

I wrote a book and want to include portions of the Virginia driving manual found on the DMV website and the Standards of Learning found on the VA Department of Education website. Does this violate copyrights? How could I get permission to reprint it in a book that will be for sale?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 21, 2024

To answer your question about republishing information from state agency websites or publications:

Generally, works created by federal government agencies are in the public domain and not subject to copyright protection. However, state and local government works may be copyrighted,...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports, International Law and Intellectual Property for Colorado on
Q: Can I link to copy-righted material on Patreon?

I have a patreon where I transcribe scenes (movies, television, video games, etc...) for actors to practice with. Would it be legal for me to add a link to a 30s-60s clip of the scene for reference if its unlisted-demonetized on youtube? Also, does the use of overseas media change anything?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 19, 2024

Here are a few thoughts on linking to copyrighted content on Patreon, but please note that this shouldn't be taken as legal advice:

In general, linking to copyrighted material, even if it's unlisted and demonetized on YouTube, could still be considered copyright infringement...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Patents (Intellectual Property) for California on
Q: Can I sue someone for stealing my app idea name color scheme even if it's not patented? How can I find out who copied it

I have the meetings I had with them recorded and have emails and the app proposal they sent me.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 19, 2024

Based on the information provided, it sounds like you may have a potential case for intellectual property infringement, even without a patent. Here are a few key considerations:

1. Copyright: While ideas themselves are not protected by copyright, the specific expression of an idea (such as...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for New York on
Q: Am I able to print a Political yard sign with a Picture of Donald Trump and/or his Make America Great Again slogan?

If not, can I use a hand-drawn silhouette of his face?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 19, 2024

There are a few potential copyright and trademark issues to consider here:

The "Make America Great Again" slogan was trademarked by Donald Trump for use in his political campaigns. Using it on yard signs without permission could be considered trademark infringement.

A...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Copyright, Civil Rights and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: as a photographer can photos of people in a public space be added to my website without the permission of the person?

as a freelance photographer, do i really need someones permission to add the pictures i take in a public setting to my website? or would this not be allowed for any reason?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 19, 2024

As a photographer, you generally have the right to take photographs of people in public spaces without their permission. This is based on the legal principle that there is no reasonable expectation of privacy in public places. However, there are some important considerations and potential... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law and Copyright on
Q: Is it ok to own a website where i exclusively sell a fashion brand owned by a third party.

I am planning to do a joint venture with a person that owns a fashion brand. We will sell the product on my website and do a profit share on the sales revenue.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 19, 2024

Based on the information provided, it seems you are planning a legitimate business partnership with the fashion brand owner to sell their products through your website. This type of arrangement is generally acceptable, as long as you have the proper permissions and agreements in place. Here are a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Trademark, Copyright and Intellectual Property for Massachusetts on
Q: How do I copywrite and trademark the Flying Yankee name?
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 19, 2024

To protect your intellectual property for the name "Flying Yankee" in Massachusetts, you'll need to pursue both copyright and trademark protection. Here's a guide:

Copyright:

1. In the United States, copyright is automatically granted to original works upon...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Copyright and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Company owns the right for a Dodgers mural, is company allow to merchandise (t-shirt) the mural w Dodgers in it.

Company paid Artist for the mural. Contract states work is own by the company. Company wishes to merchandise the Mural image, (t shirts, postcards, keychain). The mural contains a Dodger player. Is the company allow to Merchandise, or company need license form MLB team.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 19, 2024

Based on the information provided, there are a few key legal considerations:

1. Copyright ownership: If the contract clearly states that the company owns the rights to the mural, then the company likely holds the copyright to the artistic elements of the mural created by the artist....
View More

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.