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
Illinois Copyright Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Copyright for Illinois on
Q: Is it legal to display logos of companies to compare data in results from trades in a image... example forbes vs usnews?
Barbara Berschler
Barbara Berschler
answered on May 8, 2020

In order to meet a "fair use" test under copyright or trademark law, you should only use what you need to make your point. In your case your goal is to compare data created by the 2 companies. So while it may be OK to use their names, because you are using them in a factual context,... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Trademark for Illinois on
Q: Is it legal to print the phrase “don’t worry be happy” onto a sweatshirt?
Tania Maria Williams
PREMIUM
Tania Maria Williams pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 7, 2020

Probably not if the copyright in the song is still active.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright for Illinois on
Q: How unique does a jewelry design need to be to qualify for copyright protection?

I have a small online jewelry business and a competitor filed a notice of copyright infringement on the platform where I sell. The designs she mentioned are fairly simple using mass produced charms and embellishments available from common jewelry supply sites. I checked the registration number she... View More

Tania Maria Williams
PREMIUM
Tania Maria Williams pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 4, 2020

No the copyright protection in the photographs do not extend to the items themselves. However, it may be that she may thinks that you used the photographs (or she could just not understand how copyright works which is a strong possibility).

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Patents (Intellectual Property) for Illinois on
Q: I am writing a book of pet knowledge and after 50+ years of study i say that the Glofish in the pet shops are fake.

the fiction out there says they are .GMO and are both copyrighted and pattented. Can this be true of a fish?

mike

Peter D. Mlynek
Peter D. Mlynek
answered on Apr 22, 2020

There are patents on Glofish. See for example, https://patents.google.com/patent/US8378169, which has expired.

Glofish is also trademarked. There are about 37 different trademarks "Glofish" or a variation thereof; I how many of those are associated with the fish.

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Patents (Intellectual Property) for Illinois on
Q: Can I sell items on Etsy made from patterns I found on Pinterest? What is law on licensed fabrics?

I have found a lot of conflicting info. Some saying that you can't copyright a pattern, and that final product is "your" work so you can sell.

Others saying that no you can't. Very confused!!

Marcos Garciaacosta
Marcos Garciaacosta
answered on Apr 19, 2020

it requires an analysis of the pattern, and see if it is owned or copyrighted by somebody.

Think of the Louis Vuitton pattern.

In general just because you see it somewhere it does not mean it is free

Make a Consult appointment

Marcos.

Counsel for the...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Illinois on
Q: I have just opened an online store and I have concerns about copyright infringement.

I would like to know about what is portected and what is not protected using photos from on line downloads, for T shirts designs.

James D. Williams
James D. Williams
answered on Mar 14, 2020

Ultimately it depends on where you get the photos and what is in them. If you are using photos that are downloaded from Adobe Stock Photos or a service where the photos are provided to users for posting on public pages, then you might be able to use them, generally. However, if you are finding... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Estate Planning, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Illinois on
Q: Can a fingerprint be trademarked to protect intellectual and pyshical property?
Tania Maria Williams
PREMIUM
Tania Maria Williams pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 20, 2020

Trademark protection is based on use as a source identifier of goods or services. If that fingerprint isn't identifying the source of a good or service, the likely answer is no.

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Trademark for Illinois on
Q: Would use a name like 'Madhatter Custom PC Mods' for a business, YouTube channel or Social Media name infringe on Disney
Robyn T. Williams
PREMIUM
Robyn T. Williams pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 18, 2020

If you'd like to use "Madhatter Custom PC Mods" for a PC modification business, this likely not an infringing use. Having an IP attorney complete a clearance search for the name being considered is best before you expend resources on commercial projects.

Robyn T. Williams...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright for Illinois on
Q: Received a notice from my ISP that Fllen Productions Inc is pursuing me for bittorrent download of a movie. Reading

the internet Ads would indicate that I can be liable for up to $150,000.00 for this action. As a layman, this appears to be unrealistic and I am trying to figure out if these attorney ads are just trying to scare me into using them at high payment rates. how do I get honest advice?

Tania Maria Williams
PREMIUM
Tania Maria Williams pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 13, 2020

The damages a copyright owner may be entitled to for illegal downloads can be costly but it depends on the circumstances. Sometimes they just want you to stop doing it and sometimes they do come after the person for full damages. If you want honest, real advice, feel free to email me at... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Trademark for Illinois on
Q: If my wife has a medical drawing that she wants to sell and protect her rights to the drawing what is the process?
Sindee Levin
Sindee Levin
answered on Dec 6, 2019

I assume what you want is to be sure the drawing is covered under US Copyright Law. Once an item is put into a tangible medium it is copyrighted under US Copyright Law. However, to receive damages if someone infringes on your artwork, you need to file with the US Copyright Office. You can... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Illinois on
Q: Hi How much do you charge for getting me a trademark registered'
Enrico Schaefer
Enrico Schaefer
answered on Oct 4, 2019

If you need a trademark availability opinion before you register, that is $800 including the third-party fees. If you need trademark registration, that is $1200 including USPTO fees

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Illinois on
Q: Thanks for the opportunity to ask a quick question. I take note that Cannei has a trademark on the game SET. If I only

incorporated their play mechanics but none of their artwork, would that be allowed under trademark, copyright and patent law? Thanks.

John Martin Hilla
John Martin Hilla
answered on Jun 24, 2019

This is a patent question. From the trademark standpoint, the mechanics of a game, or software coding, etc., is not a subject-matter of trademark law or with which trademark registration with the US Patent and Trademark Office is concerned. Trademark protection is extended to the word mark (name,... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Copyright and Civil Litigation for Illinois on
Q: Do I have any right to photos taken for free?

My sister took my wedding photos for free as a “gift”, but since then has decided she’s not going to give them to me. She won’t talk to anyone or listen to anyone who asks her for the photos. Many family members have offered to pay to see the photos but she refuses. We were married in a... View More

Bruce Alexander Minnick
Bruce Alexander Minnick
answered on Jun 17, 2019

Unfortunately, no. The law does not provide for any way to enforce unkept promises unless there was an agreement and unless both sides received consideration. I suggest you try to compromise and at least pay the photographer something--because the photos are hers.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Internet Law for Illinois on
Q: I am building an ecommerce website similar to Amazon, allowing third-party sellers, etc.

For the media items, like movies & tv shows, I have embedded trailers from YouTube into the listings. According to YouTube, as long as videos are embedded and not copy & pasted, this is perfectly acceptable, allowable, and legal, found here:... View More

Griffin Klema
Griffin Klema
answered on Apr 16, 2019

If you have created a successful business, you're going to get silly/aggressive/unfounded accusers, just be ready and have a good lawyer on retainer to deal with such issues as they arise.

As for embedding YouTube videos onto your own website (for profit), this is a common question....
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Patents (Intellectual Property) for Illinois on
Q: I want to file a patent with Bridgestone in Belgium to offset dimple the existing cushion sidewall gum 6302444357

Professional engineer

Sean Erin Serraguard
Sean Erin Serraguard
answered on Apr 12, 2019

There are a number of ways to file a patent in Belgium as well as other countries. The first step is going to be determining if you're only interested in Belgium or if you'd like to file in other countries as well. From there, you will have to decide if you'd like to draft your own... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Entertainment / Sports for Illinois on
Q: Is viewing a movie from a streaming sight illegal? Owning no copy of the movie.
Marcos Garciaacosta
Marcos Garciaacosta
answered on Feb 27, 2019

Very possible.

If the streaming site is not licensed you may be contributing.

Stick to official channels and pay, it is not worth the risk

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Copyright and Criminal Law for Illinois on
Q: Is there a way if I register myself as a business and trademark/copyright myself as the business as an artist/musician

Can I some how own guns being a felon but only to protect myself being the business. Or would I have to file and ask a judge about it and give them my specific reasoning for why I want to be aloud to own them and take them safely with me after trained in concealed carry classes, that way any kind... View More

William Wolf
William Wolf
answered on Dec 25, 2018

The laws vary from State to State, but in Illinois, if you're a convicted felon, you can't have a gun, period.

You would need to hire a security guard.

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Civil Rights and Native American Law for Illinois on
Q: Could I sue someone for using a logo that's part of my religion

Logo is demeaning to my Race. A misuse of it's sole purpose and descrimnates my heritage and culture as a Native American

Gary Kollin
Gary Kollin
answered on Oct 21, 2018

You can sue for anything. Whether it will be a viable suit or have any legal merit is another thing.

Sounds like you want to sue the Washington Redskins. Read (google) all the articles. Do you think there is a reason no one else is suing?

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Patents (Intellectual Property) for Illinois on
Q: If I were to make an app/webpage that used the left and right swipe method could I be sued?
Kevin E. Flynn
PREMIUM
Kevin E. Flynn
answered on Oct 3, 2018

Your question is a patent question not a copyright question. What you are asking is whether there is any patent where you plan to operate that would cover left and right swipe. This is known as a freedom-to-operate question. In other words do you have freedom to operate as you plan or is there... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Trademark for Illinois on
Q: Would I be infringing on Hasbro, Inc. for using "Connect4" or "Connect "Four"" to use for a game for a trade show?

I have a big show (100,000+ attendees) coming up for contestants to win a certificate if they happen to win on a larger version of the Connect4 game. I am making up a sign to use for this game, but do not want to infringe on any trademarks.

The slogan we are wanting to use is... View More

T. J. Jesky
T. J. Jesky
answered on Sep 8, 2018

I checked the government's website at www.uspto.gov and looked-up "Connect 4." Yes, the trademark was filed by Hasbro; however, it appears that the trademark as yet to be issued.

This means that Hasbro does l not have trademark protection during this pending period. If...
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.