I like discovering strange vintage pieces and I don't necessarily want to make "replicas" as I do want to make some alterations to the antique designs/make them more modern/brand-able. I just want to make sure I'm not stepping on anyone's toes/ violating some... View More 
answered on Jan 14, 2022
Jewelry is copyrightable, but from your description its copyright has long since expired. See: https://guides.library.cornell.edu/copyright/publicdomain
I am a music producer and am in the process of creating an emblem and font style for my artist name. I found the font online. It is the "Alien Resurrection" font. Am I able to use this font to spell my name out to be represented as such or is that not aloud?
answered on Jan 6, 2022
The copyright law does not protect typeface or mere variations of typographic ornamentation or lettering. 17 U.S.C. § 102(b); 37 C.F.R. § 202.1(a), (e). Typeface includes typefonts, letterforms, and the like. Specifically regarding the "Alien Resurrection" font designed by Film Himmel... View More
For example if I am on Instagram and I see a handsome man or beautiful woman and I paint that man or woman as close as I can to the original in a totally different setting and then sell that painting can I be Infringing on any copyright laws.
answered on Dec 28, 2021
Yes, it's possible that your paintings might infringe the copyright of the person who owns the copyright in the photo. It depends on whether your image is "substantially similar" to the photos. From the sound of it, it is your intent to paint the image as similar as possible to the original.
The artwork would be used in a commercial game. The artist would be paid to create original artwork on a website like upwork or fiverr.
answered on Dec 14, 2021
Potentially both of you would be on the hook - copyright law doesn't require that you intend to infringe. You discuss particulars with an attorney.
I own a video production company and some of my clients like to use popular songs for their wedding videos. I am personally not against it but I don't want a client to not fully have the option to use it. so is there a way that I can add to my contract that they can use the song of their... View More
answered on Dec 9, 2021
I do not think that covers you.
You would be the accessory to the violation.
You could license the songs in your client's name and add them to the video and that way everybody is covered. You could charge your client for the licensing of the songs.
Consult with an attorney and best luck.
I was fished by SMG and paypal was frozened.They said i infringe copyright.I'm a foreigner and not in US,SMG just send an email to me and no substantive documents were served.Is that legal?And does Florida court have jurisdiction?How much does it cost to hire a lawyer?Can you help me win the case?
answered on Dec 2, 2021
Do you mean "phished"? If so, you may be correct; it appears to possibly be a scam of some sort. Just because someone sent you an email claiming to be "SMG" doesn't mean that you have actually been sued.
The NFTs are going to be cartoon recreations /drawings of the Jordan and Dunk silhouettes. I was wondering if publishing and selling these would be legal.
answered on Nov 29, 2021
I would suggest that the question is not so much whether publishing and selling the NFTs is "legal," but whether Nike can and would assert their legal rights (trademark and copyright rights) against you for doing so. The answer is probably "yes" to both.
Don't want to get sued if someone else uses the name either.
answered on Nov 14, 2021
A trademark is what you are looking for. In the United States, they are established through use in commerce ("common law trademark.") To protect your rights in it, though, you should register it. Trademarks can be registered with a state or a federal government office. Federal... View More
Fees to copyright songs have risen greatly. While one can copyright a batch of songs (10) to save on fees I am looking for an alternative. As a song author, how can I protect a song without having to initially copyright it?
If the interest was to be had in a particular work I'd... View More
answered on Oct 22, 2021
Registration is voluntary. Copyright exists from the moment the work is created. You will have to register, however, if you wish to bring a lawsuit for infringement of a U.S. work.
ear straps for a binky for babys attached to the side wholes of the binky. i would like to actually create something like this and see its already out but wanted ,ore information on it. i saw clips that you clip onto the binky but i was to have mine built in and mass produce. can you help me please?
answered on Oct 13, 2021
You will need to contact a patent attorney to determine if your product would infringe on a patented product. Perhaps the patent you saw has already expired or no longer valid, but there may be other patented products that you may be at risk of infringing. It is important to determine the... View More
A well known British singer living in Santa Monica. They are using my US copyrighted Office photographic images I took of them before they became famous in 1989 in music video's plus at least in 2 books and across all platforms. The image is also embedded in their music video which is all over... View More
answered on Oct 5, 2021
You might have a claim for copyright infringement. I've handled a similar case in federal court involving the unauthorized use of photographs of models. You need an attorney to research the cause of action and make a formal demand, at the very least. I am very interested in the case. Feel free... View More
answered on Sep 4, 2021
Probably. You are probably confusing copyright with trademark.
You can use your name pretty much anyway you want
You need to consult an attorney
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answered on Aug 25, 2021
Sadly no. Patents typically have a maximum lifetime of about 20 years from the filing date. Although this can be adjusted a bit for delays at the USPTO, usually, the adjustments are only for a few months or years.
A 1993 patent era patent is likely long expired, is probably public... View More
I am simply using the name for a recreational adult softball team. I do not have any copyrighted designs or logos, but I just want to know if using the phrase alone is illegal, if I put it on a jersey.
I'd like to open a DC comics-themed restaurant, do I need to buy a license from them, even though most of the characters are not listed for Hotels and Restaurants?
answered on Jul 17, 2021
Yes, as well as corporate and possibly tax. The characters, likeness and their use are currently owned by DC Entertainment which is a subsidiary of Warner Brothers etc..
I need clarification, this site is called ask a lawyer, not ask google, what are you hiding or is that a part of the b.a.r (secret)?
For instance a popular tweet such as a post by someone called @geraldinreverse: "well, well, well, if it isn't the consequenses of my own actions."
It got almost 300K likes and 140K retweets.
Is that phrase owned by @geraldinreverse or can I print that phrase on a shirt and sell it?
answered on Jun 2, 2021
Depends
Consult with an attorney
You are referring to copyright
There are requirements related to copyrights such as innovation and creativity, and also the scope or size of creation
It is likely that what you indicated does not fall under copyright, maybe under... View More
answered on May 20, 2021
Probably because they think it's an infringement on their right to their trade name. Why don't you ask them?
answered on May 18, 2021
Yes it is
And you are violating it and they can sue you
If you want to show that image, buy a licensed shirt
consult with an attorney
I was thinking of using the words “lucky 13” for some clothing designs and just wanted to be sure not to step on anyone’s toes by doing that.
answered on May 16, 2021
You need to consult with an attorney and search for potential of conflict
Best luck
Marcos
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