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
Indiana Copyright Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Indiana on
Q: Next fall our festival wants to do a Yellowstone national Park theme and use yogi bear crew as mascs. Can we

We would like to do memes on our Facebook page through the year encouraging events. And have props during festival.

We do a special edition shirt each year of 100 if possible would also like to include yogi with ours& Yellowstone parks in the print

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 14, 2024

Using Yogi Bear and his crew as mascots for your festival, especially in conjunction with Yellowstone National Park, requires careful consideration of intellectual property rights. Yogi Bear is a copyrighted character owned by Hanna-Barbera, now part of Warner Bros. Entertainment. Therefore, using... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Indiana on
Q: can you patent ballon words and phrases on your specialty ballons
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 5, 2023

Certainly, it's an intriguing concept to patent specific words or phrases used on specialty balloons. Under federal law, patents typically cover inventions or discoveries, such as new processes or products, not words or short phrases. However, you may be able to protect unique words or phrases... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Indiana on
Q: can you patent ballon words and phrases on your specialty ballons
T. Augustus Claus
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 2, 2023

if you have a unique and novel method of using words or phrases on specialty balloons that involves a technical process or innovation, you may be able to seek patent protection for that specific process or invention. It's essential to consult with a qualified patent attorney who can evaluate... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Indiana on
Q: is copyrighted music for video game credit scenes considered fair use
T. Augustus Claus
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 25, 2023

The use of copyrighted music in video games, including credit scenes, is typically not considered fair use. Fair use is a legal doctrine that allows limited use of copyrighted material without obtaining permission from the copyright owner under certain circumstances, such as for purposes of... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Indiana on
Q: is copyrighted music for video game credit scenes considered fair use
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 28, 2023

Using copyrighted music in video game credit scenes without permission is generally not considered fair use. Fair use is a limited exception to copyright law and is subject to specific legal criteria, such as for purposes of criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research.... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and International Law for Indiana on
Q: Would there be issues if I made a podcast sharing stories I heard from various social media outlets?

I would give the creator credit, and summarize their stories. Is social media considered public domain? Or would I have to get the creators permission before telling and discussing their stories on a podcast?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 2, 2023

Sharing stories from social media on a podcast could potentially raise legal issues related to copyright infringement and privacy violations. Although social media platforms are considered public domain, the stories posted on them are still protected under copyright law. Therefore, you would need... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and International Law for Indiana on
Q: Would there be issues if I made a podcast sharing stories I heard from various social media outlets?

I would give the creator credit, and summarize their stories. Is social media considered public domain? Or would I have to get the creators permission before telling and discussing their stories on a podcast?

N'kia (NLN)
N'kia (NLN)
answered on Apr 2, 2023

Social media is not considered public domain. Social media platforms are just a public forums where people post their content. However, the people posting aren't necessarily relinquishing their rights by posting there. Also, giving credit doesn't really help if what you're doing... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Indiana on
Q: If i own a home in the sandestin resort and rent it out by owner, can I use the name sandestin in my groups, ads etc?

For example: A private facebook group named Sandestin Book Direct with Owner

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 25, 2023

It's not recommended to use the name of a resort or company in the name of your private Facebook group or ads without their permission as it could potentially infringe on their trademark. It's best to check with the resort or company to see if they allow the use of their name in such a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Indiana on
Q: Can I use my movie title that has the same name as a short film that was made on YouTube 2 years ago from the UK?

I am an independent filmmaker in Indiana and later found out late in my production there exists a short with the same title, a little video that has almost no recognition. My story is different, the only similarity is it involves a pizza delivery. I just want to make sure it's legal without... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 17, 2024

You're allowed to use the same title as the short film on YouTube, especially since the content, story, and production are different. Titles generally aren't protected by copyright law, which means multiple works can share the same name without infringing on each other's rights.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Indiana on
Q: hello. i have a question about 3d printing and trading the items i print

i did not make the stl files but would not be getting paid for the items

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 18, 2024

If you are 3D printing items using STL files you did not create, you need to be aware of potential copyright issues. Even if you are not getting paid for the items you print and trade, the original creator of the STL files may still have rights over their design. Using someone else’s design... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright for Indiana on
Q: Is it legal to use pictures from comic books in my website blog?

I have a website where I blog about Marvel superheroes and stories. In my posts, I discuss the characters and their history and the themes that surround them. It is an affiliate marketing site, where I will have links to Affiliate sites that sell licensed Marvel products, such as models,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 18, 2024

Using pictures from comic books on your website blog involves dealing with copyrighted material, and it's important to navigate this carefully. Marvel's comic book images are protected by copyright, and using them without permission can lead to legal issues. Even if your blog is small and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Business Law for Indiana on
Q: Can I use comics images in my affiliate marketing website?

I blog about Marvel super heroes on my website that has affiliate links to sell superhero products (comics, clothing, models, etc). In my blog, I provide commentary on Marvel characters to engage my readers. In the posts, I want to provide pictures from relevant Marvel comics to provide interest... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 18, 2024

Using images from Marvel comics on your affiliate marketing website can potentially infringe on copyright and trademark laws. Even though you provide commentary and attribute the images to their rightful owners, this does not automatically qualify as fair use. Fair use is a complex legal doctrine... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright for Indiana on
Q: Can I sell my aviation and automotive photographs?

As a photographer can I, for example, sell my photograph of a Ford Mustang, and describe it in my listing as a "photograph of a Ford Mustang", without Ford’s written permission?

Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
answered on Jan 30, 2023

Yes, of course you can. Using a trademark in the description of the photograph is "nominative fair use" of the mark, and not an infringement.

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright for Indiana on
Q: Some people I know are selling shirts with known designs (such as Louis Vuitton) on them. What laws are being broken?

Some people I know are selling shirts with known designs (such as Louis Vuitton) on them. They have used a variety of designs from multiple internet sources (such as Etsy, Instagram, Pintrest, etc.). They claim to have dealt with the copyright issues, and bought the necessary rights to use these... View More

Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
answered on Jan 28, 2022

Even if the copyrights have been licensed, which we agree is a doubtful claim, use of the famous apparel brands on fake goods is trademark infringement.

An informative article on apparel trademark law is here:

https://www.thefashionlaw.com/resource-center/trademark-law/

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Indiana on
Q: How do I report Grinch /Dr. Suess themed photo shoots for infringing?
Marcos Garciaacosta
Marcos Garciaacosta
answered on Dec 3, 2021

Look up the manager of the rights.

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright for Indiana on
Q: Is it legal for me to stream myself (on twitch or youtube) reading a book that I own? Would it fall under fair use?

Basically something i've been wanting to do is get back into reading since it's not something that really happens a lot anymore in the common world. I would also like to share what I am reading with others so that they to might find enjoyment in it, I would not be showing the pages/screen... View More

Marcos Garciaacosta
Marcos Garciaacosta
answered on May 21, 2021

In general probably not.

You would be infringing several property rights.

Consult with an attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Business Law for Indiana on
Q: Can the word supercalifragilisticexpialidocious be used as part of my logo.

Can I say Mary Poppings. Where everything is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

Kathryn Perales
Kathryn Perales
answered on Jan 28, 2021

You can probably say supercalifragilisticexpialidocious - it does not appear to be registered to anyone. You probably could even register it.

"Mary Poppings" is more problematic - Disney has the "Mary Poppins" mark registered for some goods and services, and they...
View More

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Indiana on
Q: I am writing a parody of Elsa and Anna I have a disclaimer stating it is a parody

The names are the same there our no pictures of the charcters them self can i write the book under section 107 of the fair use act

Jason Brooks
Jason Brooks
answered on Jan 22, 2021

Works of parody are generally acceptable forms of "fair use" protected from what would otherwise would amount to copyright infringement. As you've alluded, Section 107 does provide several examples of fair use, including uses of copyrighted works “for purposes such as criticism... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Copyright, Business Formation and Business Law for Indiana on
Q: Can I buy a website very similar to a popular brand’s site and use that to sell similar merchandise?

The website I would be buying is the same words just moved around. And the merchandise would potentially be clothing designed to look similar to the original brand’s clothing but not the same. Or would it be legal to offer this new and similar domain to the owner of the original for a price?

Marcos Garciaacosta
Marcos Garciaacosta
answered on Jan 8, 2021

don't do it

too close for comfort

you can be sued

consult with an attorney

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Patents (Intellectual Property) for Indiana on
Q: How do I know if I need to patent an excel spreadsheet graph?

I just created a graph this afternoon around 1:00pm with my name and date in the bottom corner that really impressed my professor who is a doctor in medicine. After getting off the phone with my father, he suggested I reach out and see if this is something that I could patent. Is there any way... View More

Kathryn Perales
Kathryn Perales
answered on Dec 4, 2020

A spreadsheet graph is not generally the kind of thing that can be patented. If you think it is truly new and innovative, I encourage you to consult privately with a patent attorney. Be prepared to explain it thoroughly, and keep in mind that your 1-year time limit for patenting already started... View More

View More Answers

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.