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Florida Intellectual Property Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property, Internet Law and Contracts for Florida on
Q: I need help regarding account closure from a livestream platform I worked on as an influencer. I believe they violated.

I believe they violated TOS. My account was banned while I wasn’t even streaming. They never told me why I was banned which in their terms of service states they have to apon request. They allowed a lot of bullying and illegal behavior to occur and didn’t defend me from phishing fake accounts... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 6, 2023

Hi there! Happy Sunday.

If you believe your account closure on the livestream platform violates their Terms of Service and you have been waiting for a response since March 2023, you may consider taking the following steps:

1. Review the platform's Terms of Service and policies...
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1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: I want to file a trademark but there is already my brand name with 2 words flipped. read more -->

For example my name is "goodpure" and theirs is "puregood+" they have the exact same goods and services. I'm looking to sell online nationwide not in any stores. And if I can get registered in another country I would do that if possible. I am eligible for dual citizenship... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 6, 2023

Given the similarity in names and the exact same goods and services, filing a trademark for "goodpure" could potentially lead to rejection by the USPTO or an opposition from the existing "puregood+" trademark owner due to likelihood of confusion. Registration in another country... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: if a trademark shows abandoned, can & how do I trademark it
Felicia Altman
Felicia Altman
answered on Aug 4, 2023

If a trademark is Abandoned any person may file for the abandoned mark with the USPTO in the same or similar goods and services. In order to file for the trademark you must prepare and file an application with the USPTO. In order to file an appropriate application it is best to consult a trademark... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: Florida Law/Security Camera footage & use thereof

Can video footage with audio be used for a criminal investigation? We found out our security camera has captured audio (on a public sidewalk) and the conversation includes a discussion of interest for a legal case. We are aware that the audio feature should have been disabled but wasn't (we... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 28, 2023

Please note that I am a Californian attorney, and my response is based on California law. For matters specific to Florida law, it is essential to consult with an attorney licensed in Florida.

However, as a general principle, the use of video footage with audio for a criminal investigation...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Intellectual Property and Patents (Intellectual Property) for Florida on
Q: What can be done about a company whose website shows an incorrect product inventors name and that inventions location?
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 26, 2023

A Florida attorney or intellectual property would have the most insight into this, but your question remains open for two weeks. If it's only an informational site that posts things like news articles or press releases, the webmaster or author could be contacted to point out the correct... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: I see a company using a very similar name as mine for a skincare business.

I Started using the name Praia skin in 2022 for a skincare company and mobile tanning studio, I’m using it as a DBA. Another person started using Praia skinCARE in 2023 for skincare too, mine is showing as live in the trademark page, I started it now in 2023 for all cosmetic, skincare and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 10, 2023

In a situation where two skincare businesses have similar names, it's recommended to consult with a trademark attorney for specific guidance. Trademark protection is typically granted to the first user of a distinctive mark in commerce. While your use of "Praia skin" predates the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Florida on
Q: I began a Facebook page then group page & IG all as Solid Perfume Collectors. How do I trademark the name? Do I need to?

I am currently writing a book and probably will have several books which all refer to the name of my group SOLID PERFUME COLLECTORS. I also plan later to begin a website under that same name which is why I'm wondering if I would have to trade mark it. What would be the benefits? What would be... View More

Eric Estadt
Eric Estadt
answered on Jul 6, 2023

First, I want to caution that it is necessary to check whether the trademark is in use by anybody else prior to beginning use yourself, or you could be on the receiving end of a cease and desist letter or lawsuit. I recommend hiring an experienced trademark attorney to advise you on the risks and... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: Should I talk to the other company using similar name as mine? I fear future problems. Mine is trademarked for skincare.

I Started using the name Praia skin in 2022 for a skincare company and mobile tanning studio, I’m using it as a DBA. Another person started using Praia skinCARE in 2023 for skincare too, mine is trademarked in 2023 for all cosmetic, skincare and sunless lotions use. Can there be a conflict?... View More

Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
answered on Jun 24, 2023

PLAYA ("beach") has been registered by Playa Products, Inc. for cosmetics since 2020, based on use since 2017. Unless your use of PLAYA for skin care products was earlier than 2017, you would be denied federal registration for that mark. There is no current or pending application to... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: I created, produced and hosted my podcast, Privacy Please back in 2020. My company is trying to claim it as their IP

I still do the podcast weekly, my company just had a 20 person layoff and I was included but they want to claim IP of my podcast which is at 166 episodes. All the work, and my voice was done by me alone but they never fully "sponsored" it. Do I have a fighting chance here?

Eugene Vamos
Eugene Vamos
answered on Jun 13, 2023

This topic falls under copyright law. Ordinarily, the author (and copyright owner) is the person or persons who

actually creates the work (podcast). However, “Works made for hire” are an exception to this rule. For legal purposes,

when a work is a “work made for hire,” the...
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3 Answers | Asked in Gaming, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: How would I trademark my Game?

I have a game that I will be publishing soon but I don't want anyone else to take the name, how would I submit a trademark for my game name?

Felicia Altman
Felicia Altman
answered on Jun 8, 2023

You can You can file a trademark application with the USPTO. It is best to first work with a trademark attorney or filing service for them to walk you through the process and to conduct a search to ensure no other names in the same class of services exist already. The type of game will determine... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: Can a recording studio refuse my right of erasure? I was insulted and antagonized for requesting deletion of my likeness

There are no contracts or anything signed saying i’m not allowed to have unreleased work’s deleted. Is it really legal to deny my request when i’m responsible for purchasing my instrumentals, writing lyrics, and paid for the services they provided?

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on May 28, 2023

Good question. Since you have nothing in writing, it would depend on normal practice in the industry. Absent that, they probably can choose to keep the material if they want to, but of course can't reproduce it in violation of your copyright.

2 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: I need to know the status of the trademark for the triple goddess image. Triple moon image it seems as it is inactive

If the trademark has expired and is in active I would like to know the steps I need to take for putting this in my name and re-trade marking it

N'kia (NLN)
N'kia (NLN)
answered on May 24, 2023

For federal trademark registration status, you could search the records of the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The database is known as "TESS." For state trademark registration status, you would need to search the records for each state.

However, keep in mind that the US...
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3 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: Can I use a trademark word phrase in a title of my book?
Will Blackton
Will Blackton
answered on May 11, 2023

It depends on how you plan to use the trademarked word or phrase in the title of your book. Generally, using a trademarked word or phrase in the title of a book is acceptable if it is used in a descriptive, non-infringing way. For example, if you are writing a book about Coca-Cola, you can use the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: if Drama Llama is trademarked for apparel can I use it for Lawncare services

I'm not fully aware of Trademark rules & regulations... I want to make sure I can use this before I fully create my LLC

Benjamin Charles Korray
Benjamin Charles Korray
answered on May 6, 2023

Regarding the potential of trademark infringement, the general test (stated simply) is whether a member of the public would be confused between the two brands. In other words, would someone see Drama Llama the lawn care business and think that this is the same Drama Llama that sells clothes? Even... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Intellectual Property, Trademark and Copyright for Florida on
Q: Do I need 2 copyrights if I intend to sell my logo on hats as well as stickers?

I have a copyright application submitted for a phrase that I intend to sell on hats, shirts, stickers and cups. Do I need to submit a copyright request for separate categories since I intend to sell it on different types of items? I am being told that stickers are a different category from... View More

Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
answered on Apr 10, 2023

This appears to be a question about trademarks, not copyrights, which non-lawyers often confuse.

Trademarks are registered in various types of goods and services according to their classification (for instance, apparel, printed material, and cups), and when filing an application to register...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Entertainment / Sports, Copyright and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: can I sell sports cards I design & create legally or is a copyright violation or some other law violation

My friend & I like to design & create sports cards of wrestlers from different companies both past and current using images (png) we find online from whatever website has what we're looking for, then using an app on our phone we assemble & alter/manipulate (color/brightness etc)... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 25, 2023

It is not legal to use images that you find online without permission from the copyright holder. Even if you manipulate them to create a new product, you could still be infringing on the original creator's rights. If you want to create sports cards using images of wrestlers, you should obtain... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Intellectual Property and Patents (Intellectual Property) for Florida on
Q: One quick question please if I may. How do I protect my idea from being stolen while I go through the process 4 a patent

I just want to make sure that if I go through with my idea, while it may take upwards of a year for the process to finish, that I can protect my idea somehow from being stolen by others and being patented by others.

David Aldrich
David Aldrich
answered on Feb 14, 2023

To obtain an issued, enforceable patent, you would file a “utility” patent application. When you say ”the process 4 a patent,” are you referring to the preparation of this patent application, or the process of ultimately obtaining an issued patent (i.e., the back-and-forth with the patent... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: Is tracing parts of an illustration violate copyright?

I am developing a NFT collection based on animated sitcons. I know that tracing over the character image to create a new art work is illegal. But what about assets present in the character picture? Things like hats/hairs/clothes and other assets. Can I trace over this assets present in the original... View More

Daniel Michael Luisi
Daniel Michael Luisi
answered on Jan 16, 2023

Your question concerns whether the proposed use of the copyrighted material is covered by the "fair use" defense to copyright infringement. Fair Use under Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act provides for certain cases where permission from the rights holder is not required. Courts... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: I'm a designer who works for a firm and does freelance on the side.

I sent a concept design to a potential client who ended up using it without my permission. I used my firm's email address as I was at work during a lunch break when I sent it. I sent a cease and desist letter to the potential client who stole my concept design. Their lawyer responded by saying... View More

Erik Špila
Erik Špila
answered on Oct 28, 2022

Dear Mrs or Mr,

this case you have presented could be a serious issue which shall be handled by a qualified professional in IP matters in your area. You should seek IP professional in your country and present him or her with more details of the case as this can not be duly and...
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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Tax Law, Business Law and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: We created a computer program that buys and sells Forex. We'd like to make sure we're legally following procedures.

We would like to take on clients to split the funds that the program makes from the buys/sells, but we want to be sure we do it the right way, legally and for tax reasons. We are researching resources to make sure we do this properly.

Jane Kim
Jane Kim pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 31, 2022

You might be considered a financial institution for purposes of US regulations. Since this app would have an online presence and an international reach, you'd need to ask this question in every jurisdiction where you process payments. it is likely you'll need more than one type of lawyer... View More

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