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Florida Intellectual Property Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Patents (Intellectual Property) and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: Would like know if patent on sealed wafer ice cream sandwich that is partitioned into multiple breakaway segments exists

This would be an ice cream confection product that is completely sealed by two eatable wafers. These wafers would have multiple pockets that hold and seal the ice cream and can be broken apart and shared without exposing the ice cream or making a mess. This ice cream confection product would... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 29, 2024

Your concept of a sealed wafer ice cream sandwich with multiple breakaway segments is quite innovative, focusing on a neat, shareable, and melt-resistant design. Upon reviewing patents related to ice cream products, it appears that while there are numerous patents concerning ice cream sandwiches... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: Are quotes from books copyright infringement?

I am in the process of developing a content series for TikTok, focusing on the literary world. The essence of my project involves creating videos that feature narrations of quotes from various books, accompanied by original artwork inspired by the narratives.The videos are intended to be... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 29, 2024

When it comes to using literary quotes in videos, especially in a commercial context, navigating copyright laws can indeed be complex. The concept of "fair use" is particularly relevant here. While fair use might cover the use of quotes to a certain extent, the commercial nature of your... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Intellectual Property, Copyright and Trademark for Florida on
Q: Can an organization copyright specific words as part of a business name vs. logo?

We recently set up an LLC for Salt Life Aesthetics and Specialty Care as well as the domain saltlifecare.com since then we've received both an email and certified letter from Salt Life, LLC demanding we cease and decease using "Salt Life" in our business name. Meanwhile there are... View More

Linda Liang
Linda Liang
answered on Mar 26, 2024

It depends. A close examination of their request is warranted. If their registered trademark covers the service you provide, and your use of your business name "is likely to cause confusion in the minds of consumers about the source or sponsorship of the goods or services offered under the... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Intellectual Property, Copyright and Trademark for Florida on
Q: Can an organization copyright specific words as part of a business name vs. logo?

We recently set up an LLC for Salt Life Aesthetics and Specialty Care as well as the domain saltlifecare.com since then we've received both an email and certified letter from Salt Life, LLC demanding we cease and decease using "Salt Life" in our business name. Meanwhile there are... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 26, 2024

It's important to understand that an organization can indeed protect certain words or phrases, especially if they're integral to their brand identity, through trademarks. When it comes to business names, what matters most is the likelihood of confusion in the market. If your business... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: I'm starting a online viral Aromatherapy service and would like to know if a business trust is possible to setup.

I would also like to know if a phase that is the business name should be trademark

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 15, 2024

Starting an online aromatherapy service is an exciting venture. Regarding your question about setting up a business trust, it's indeed possible. A business trust can manage the business's assets and operations, but the specifics can vary widely based on your location and business needs.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: Would posting pictures of cars I worked on & detailed on my website/ads be considered trademark infringement?

Most pictures will just be the car after being cleaned. Some pictures will showcase the before & after.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 11, 2024

In most cases, posting pictures of cars you have worked on or detailed on your website or in advertisements would not be considered trademark infringement, as long as you follow certain guidelines:

1. No false association: Ensure that your use of the pictures does not falsely suggest that...
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Q: Can I still get any royalties, can I modify my design to re submit?!

My design expired can I modify it for resubmission, is their possible law suits I can receive compensation from?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 5, 2024

Based on the limited information provided, I'll try to address your questions as best as I can.

1. Royalties: If your design patent has expired, you will no longer receive royalties from it. Once a patent expires, the invention or design enters the public domain, meaning anyone can...
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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Florida on
Q: If my legal name is Billy, can I name my business Billy The Kid - Home Repair& Restoration?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 2, 2024

Choosing a business name is a significant step in establishing your brand and presence in the market. Using your legal name, Billy, as part of your business name, such as "Billy The Kid - Home Repair & Restoration," is generally permissible. However, it's essential to consider a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: Can a church sing songs while on a LIVE (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok...)? Almost all the song by a recording artist

The 17 U.S. Code 110 does not state that a disclaimer has to be posted.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

While churches may stream live services on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, it's essential to be mindful of copyright laws when using recorded songs during these broadcasts. The fact that the songs are performed live in a church setting does not exempt them from copyright... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Florida on
Q: I make wood cut maps, can I use the name of a University in a map, no logos just the name
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answered on Feb 4, 2024

Using the name of a university on a woodcut map can potentially raise trademark and intellectual property concerns. While you're not using logos, universities often have trademark protection for their names to prevent unauthorized use for commercial purposes. Whether you can use the name... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports, Gaming, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: can I use an unrecognizable video game character to hit a block similar to Mario Bros?

On my website I'd like to have an unrecognizable character jump up and strike a block having an item come out of the block. The motion would be similar to the Mario bros. Would this create any copyright issues with Nintendo?

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answered on Feb 1, 2024

Using an unrecognizable character in a video game-like scenario, where the character jumps and hits a block to release an item, may still raise potential copyright issues with Nintendo or other video game companies. While the character itself may not be recognizable as a specific copyrighted... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: Is the term "Boss Babes" trademarked?

I would like to start a Facebook group and name it Florida Boss Babes and want to know if this is okay or if I would be violating someone else's trademark.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 25, 2024

To determine if "Boss Babes" is trademarked, you can conduct a search in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database. This will show if the term is currently registered as a trademark. Remember, even if a term is not registered as a federal trademark, it could still be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Florida on
Q: Is Mickey Mouse protected by copyright and trademark? How can it be protected by both types of intellectual property.
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answered on Jan 23, 2024

Mickey Mouse, as a character and brand, is indeed protected by both copyright and trademark laws. Copyright protects original works of authorship, such as movies, books, and artwork, including animated characters. Mickey Mouse, as a creation of Walt Disney, falls under this category, safeguarding... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: Why would my trademark attorney register my trademark under her name! I’m literally just finding out
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 15, 2024

Good morning!

Unfortunately, I do not have enough context or details to provide specific advice about your particular situation and why your trademark attorney filed the trademark application under their own name. However, here are a few general possibilities to consider:

- It may...
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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: Would Using the same color palette as waste management for branding of my dog poop removal business be illegal

The Waste Management Logo Colors with Hex & RGB Codes has 2 colors which are Cadmium Green (#026937) and American Yellow (#EDAA00). If I use these colors for my Dog poop removal business branding/logo/car wrap will I open myself up to litigation

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answered on Jan 5, 2024

Using a similar color palette to that of another company, like Waste Management, in itself is not typically illegal. Colors alone are generally not sufficient to constitute a trademark infringement unless they have acquired distinctiveness and are strongly associated with a particular company or... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: We are looking to trademark an athleisure brand. Should we submit even if multiple applications for that name exists.
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
answered on Dec 28, 2023

The other attorney's answer to your question omits only one important point:

when there are multiple users of the same (or confusingly similar) mark for the same or similar goods/services, PRIORITY of usage -- "first in time, first in right" -- determines which of them should...
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2 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: We are looking to trademark an athleisure brand. Should we submit even if multiple applications for that name exists.
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 27, 2023

When considering whether to submit a trademark application for your athleisure brand, it's important to carefully assess the existing trademark landscape. The presence of multiple applications for a similar or identical name can significantly impact your chances of successfully registering... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Patents (Intellectual Property) and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: Hi! Would a foldable paper pop-up collection of customized images by the customer conflict with any LovePop patents?

I'm looking at the LovePop patents and wondering if, instead of flowers, I allowed customers to upload some images and create a collection that probably somewhat resembled a bouquet if you squinted your eyes, and if that would conflict with their bouquet patents.

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answered on Dec 25, 2023

When assessing potential conflicts with LovePop's patents, it's essential to consider the specific claims each patent makes. Patents are often very detailed in their claims, focusing on particular methods, designs, or unique aspects of a product.

In your case, creating a foldable...
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2 Answers | Asked in Intellectual Property and Patents (Intellectual Property) for Florida on
Q: I wanted to find out about patent that my late grandfather had with another person.
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 11, 2023

To find information about a patent that your late grandfather had, you can start by searching the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database. This database includes all patents filed and granted in the United States and can be accessed online. You will need details such as your... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Trademark, Copyright and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: Hi, are the decorative patterns on the Pfaltzgraff Yorktowne dish wares trademarked or can I sell paint stencils of them
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answered on Nov 28, 2023

No, the decorative patterns and designs on Pfaltzgraff Yorktowne dishware lines are very unlikely to be protected by active trademarks or eligible for trademark protection. Therefore, you should generally be free to sell paint stencils replicating those patterns without infringing trademarks.... View More

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