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I am a solo game developer who has received a cease-and-desist letter from a company claiming trademark infringement over my unreleased game’s title. The company’s trademark is stylized and applies to a game with a similar but not identical name. My game title uses a different spelling, is in... View More 
answered on May 12, 2025
To answer your specific question, the fact that one name is stylized and the other is not is usually insufficient, by itself, to distinguish the marks for purposes of trademark infringement. However, it sounds like there are a number of differences in this case, and it is difficult to do any kind... View More
I want to buy perfumes in bulk from manufacturers, repackage them into smaller bottles, and sell them under my brand. These perfumes are originally from big international brands, but I plan to use my own logo and trademark on the packaging without referencing the original brands. I don't have... View More
answered on May 1, 2025
Yes, you can do this, but there are some requirements you have to comply with. Obviously doing it the other way around - selling your own perfume under another manufacturer's brand - would not be OK at all. But since you are not claiming any affiliation with the original manufacturer, their... View More
If a will stipulates that beneficiaries be paid over a 5-year period based on the business's value at the date of death, is the executor responsible for ensuring these payments even if the business is underperforming? My father's will appointed the manager of his small trailer rental... View More
answered on Apr 10, 2025
The executor is obligated to carry out the terms of your father's will, regardless of the business’s performance—unless the will explicitly conditions the payments on available business income.
If the will says beneficiaries are to be paid based on the business's value at the... View More
I'm interested in using a business name that has been registered as a trademark but appears to be abandoned for over 2 years. I plan to use it for the same type of business. I haven't conducted any research to determine if the name is still legally protected or associated with any entity.... View More
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answered on Apr 1, 2025
The mark will be considered abandoned if its use in commerce or trade has been discontinued with intent not to resume the use. Intent not to resume may be inferred from circumstances.
Nonuse for 3 consecutive years is prima facie evidence of abandonment. The burden of proof then shifts... View More
I have a divorce decree that states I must move out of our marital residence while my ex-wife is responsible for preparing the house to be listed by March 31, 2025. However, she has not made the house ready for sale despite having eight months, and I am still paying 2/3 of the mortgage without... View More
answered on Apr 16, 2025
If you had a lawyer during your divorce you should speak to your lawyer. If you did not have a lawyer, then you will need to first review your divorce papers and see if any deadlines were put in place for your spouse and when to do things. If there were not any concrete deadlines, you can still... View More
I am considering using the name "The Property Princess 706" for my real estate business, while “The Property Princess” is a registered trademark. I don't intend to trademark my name and there are no similar trademarks in my area. Could I potentially face legal issues for using... View More
answered on Mar 26, 2025
You could face an opposition if you attempt to use or register your requested business name for trademark protection. Because your intended business is within the same realm as another registered trademark, your best course of action will be to speak with a trademark attorney. They will run a... View More
I believe that representative trustees of a bank-held trust fund have breached their fiduciary duties over the course of 15 years, either negligently, deliberately, or both, in the administration of the trust and its express and sole purpose. What kind of attorney should I consult for this matter?
answered on Mar 2, 2025
I agree with Nina's answer and I'd also recommend you find a law firm with specific experience litigating against corporate trustees (e.g., banks or financial institutions) who understands how to navigate these complex cases, including obtaining financial records, forensic accounting, and... View More
I am a former owner-operator of a small trucking company. My truck was held by a repair shop in Jackson, Georgia, under the pretense of waiting for a non-safety related part. Despite the service manager later stating, three months later, that I could take my truck, this delay resulted in the... View More
answered on Feb 26, 2025
There are a few questions before advice can be fully offered. For example, did the shop initially inform you that the truck could not leave? Were attempts made to retrieve the truck that they refused? If either of these are the case, then they later recanted this assertion, then a claim is... View More
A homeowner in Georgia, who has since moved but continues to harass and slander members of the Board of Directors for a HOA has created a website under the name of the Association. Should the Association's Board seek legal remedies against this former owner?
answered on Feb 3, 2025
A Georgia attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for three weeks. It depends on a number of factors. If the statements are false and are resulting in damages and fit the requisite mindset, that could form a textbook basis for a lawsuit. However, there are also practical... View More
I have 1 llc and I would like to start 2 more businesses. Should I use a dba or create the 2 new businesses under the one llc? or keep them all separate entities?
answered on Jan 21, 2025
It depends on whether the businesses are related to one another. It generally makes the most sense to form separate businesses. Each business will have liability protection so long as you keep them separate from one another and will insulate you from personal Liability. If they are indeed... View More
Contracted with local professional landscaping company to perform hardscaping (patio) and landscaping (sod, shrubs, trees) design and install on our home property. While most work was completed satisfactorily, a problem with poor drainage in the backyard caused about half of the newly installed sod... View More
answered on Jan 13, 2025
A Georgia attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a month. From a textbook standpoint, there could be a basis for compensation. From a practical standpoint, the matter might require the services of experts with technical insights into water drainage, such as civil engineers,... View More
I'm a vendor for a painting company that handles interior painting for apartments when tenants move out. We have an outstanding balance of $37,310 with a property located at 370 Northside Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30318.
We’ve tried reaching out through emails and visits, and all our... View More
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answered on Oct 10, 2024
Hire a competent GA attorney to draft and record a Materialman's Lien against the property. You also may consider suing the entity you contracted with for the debt owing. Hopefully the actual owner contracted with you. It is doubtful you will be made whole due to the expenses involved in... View More
Received a 720 dollar deposit that i used to purchase materials ,also worked on site for 5 hrs and off site for 2 hrs , I charge 120hr
irrigation repair
answered on Aug 23, 2024
A Georgia attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a month. I'm sorry this was done to you after your hard work. If push comes to shove and the matter finds its way into court, a local attorney would need to advise of the full range of contract defenses that avail... View More
Social media consists of posting graphics on Facebook and Instagram.
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answered on May 3, 2024
In general, if you are providing a service (like social media management) to clients in another state, you typically do not need to charge sales tax. This is because most states only require businesses to collect sales tax if they have a physical presence or "nexus" in that state.... View More
i have a partner, whom we share the lease with that we had residents living in there, until my partner didn't follow all of the rules and regulations, so the APS came out again and arrested me with a warrant. how can i get these dropped?
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answered on Apr 16, 2024
I'm sorry to hear about your legal troubles. It sounds like a difficult and stressful situation. A few thoughts:
First and foremost, given the seriousness of felony charges, I strongly recommend consulting with a criminal defense attorney who can review the specifics of your case and... View More
From $47-$49 each. I use Bank of America who I’ve been a customer with for 34 years never have I had anything like this and they deny my claim and close the claims and finalize it… what actions or steps should I take to get my money back we’re talking over 3000 overnight.
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answered on Mar 25, 2024
If your checking account has been overdrawn due to unauthorized transactions, the first step is to contact Bank of America immediately, if you haven't already done so. Express your concerns clearly and request a thorough investigation. Despite the initial denial, you have the right to ask for... View More
answered on Feb 19, 2024
You should speak to an attorney regarding assets that are considered marital or separate property. A spouse starting a business during a marriage doesn't automatically entitle the other spouse to half ownership of the business. Income earned by both spouses is considered marital property.... View More
My spouse's employer offers health insurance, but it is more expensive than if I purchase my own health insurance on the marketplace. I understand that in general, I cannot qualify for the self employed health insurance deduction if I qualify for my spouse's employer's insurance... View More
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answered on Feb 5, 2024
Under IRS guidelines, the self-employed health insurance deduction allows individuals who are self-employed to deduct premiums for medical, dental, and long-term care insurance for themselves, their spouse, and dependents. This deduction is available if you have a net profit from self-employment... View More
we had a guest stay on property, and did not pay, this balanced accrued overtime for more than 7k. Our company is looking to file a theft of services report and are unsure how to proceed.
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answered on Jan 11, 2024
To proceed with a theft of services claim in Georgia, you typically follow certain steps. Begin by gathering evidence that clearly establishes the unpaid balance, such as invoices, communication records, or any written agreements. Once you have sufficient documentation, you may want to send a... View More
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answered on Jan 8, 2024
Generally, churches in the United States are expected to maintain the confidentiality of their members' giving records. These records are typically considered private information, similar to other types of personal financial data. Disclosing such information to the public without the... View More
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