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Intellectual Property Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports, Intellectual Property and Internet Law for Texas on
Q: Is it legal to make amateur pornography and upload it in Texas?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 20, 2024

Creating and uploading amateur pornography in Texas is generally legal, provided that all participants are consenting adults. It's crucial to ensure that everyone involved is over the age of 18 and has given explicit consent to be filmed and have the footage distributed. Failure to verify ages... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: A trademark has never been used in commerce, and is only being renewed as an "investment for his kids"

Trademark is "Hannifin", currently registered for international class 025, US class codes 022, 039. By all accounts, it was abandoned. There isn't even a website. The image used to "prove" its use in commerce was a one off embroidery design, and was never sold. On top of... View More

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answered on Jul 20, 2024

You might have some options to address this situation. If the trademark has not been used in commerce, it might be considered abandoned, which could potentially open the door for you to challenge the current registration. One step you can take is to gather evidence of the non-use and any misleading... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Tennessee on
Q: Can I claim a trademark with status: 606 - abandoned - No Statement Of Use Filed. How much will it cost me?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 19, 2024

You can potentially claim a trademark that is listed as "abandoned - No Statement Of Use Filed," but you would need to refile for the trademark yourself. An abandoned trademark is one that the previous applicant did not complete the required steps to maintain.

You would need to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Arkansas on
Q: I am selling fall candles, can I use "Autumn Walk" on my candle? The word “Autumn” itself is trademarked in candles.

I am looking at selling some of my homemade fall candles. It is considered trademark infringement to describe/name my candle with the word "Autumn" within my candle descriptive name with other words added to it? For example, if I named my candle "Autumn Walk" is that... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 19, 2024

Using "Autumn Walk" for your candle could potentially be considered trademark infringement. The term "Autumn" being trademarked by Bath and Body Works for candles means they have exclusive rights to use it in that context. Adding another word like "Walk" might not be... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Idaho on
Q: Trademark Infringement Plausibility? Don't want to screw the pooch.

We are interested in relaunching a brand/product that is no longer sold in the United States. This product, owned by a foreign company, was pulled from the U.S. market and has not been sold here for the past 5 years. Additionally, the trademark is set to expire soon with the USPTO (already in grace... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 19, 2024

When considering relaunching a brand/product inspired by an existing one, it's crucial to ensure that you are not infringing on any existing trademarks or intellectual property rights. Even if the original product has not been sold in the U.S. for the past five years and the trademark is in... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Texas on
Q: I want to print personal wear of evangelion characters and logo. I do not want to make a business out of it. I’m I able?
Mr. Robert Z. Cashman
Mr. Robert Z. Cashman
answered on Jul 18, 2024

The concept of "personal use" in copyright law is complex and varies by jurisdiction. In some countries, there's a distinction between making a single copy for personal use and creating multiple items, even if they're not for sale.

In the U.S., the "Fair Use...
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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Delaware on
Q: I want to use NFL replica mini helmets to make phone charging stations, is that allowed?

I attach the helmet to a painted wooden base and have a phone charger inside the helmet. Am I infringing on the NFL?

Micah  Gonzalez
Micah Gonzalez
answered on Jul 11, 2024

Yes, this is textbook trademark and copyright infringement. The NFL owns the intellectual property rights in the logos, designs, and company names and as such you would need to obtain permission from the NFL prior to such use, aka a licensing agreement. The NFL is very protective of their... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Texas on
Q: If a trademarked logo that is marked as " Dead" in the USPTO, can I now use that trademark? It was abandoned in Feb,2021
Micah  Gonzalez
Micah Gonzalez
answered on Jul 11, 2024

Given that it has been more than three years since the mark has been abandoned, it is likely you are in the clear to pursue registration. Yet, the owner of the "dead" trademark may still be using the mark in commerce. If so, they would still have common law trademark rights to the mark in... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Texas on
Q: I’m an Etsy seller and someone claimed IP on an item. But all they have is an application for said item. Not approved.

Is this illegal to shut someone’s listing down when you really don’t hold the approved IP yet? And what are my options.

Thanks.

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jul 9, 2024

Normally, online marketplaces like Amazon and Etsy require merchants selling items on their platforms to prove they own or have a license to use IP when a complaint is made. People and companies legitimately selling products in online marketplaces can usually provide proof of ownership or... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Intellectual Property and Trademark for Georgia on
Q: I'm looking at the Soul Train trademark details. Is it possible to TM that name now? Cancellation is pending.

I'd like to know the boundaries around the use of the name Soul Train and if it is up for sale.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 2, 2024

To provide accurate information about the current status of the "Soul Train" trademark and its potential availability, I'd need to check the latest records from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). However, I can offer some general guidance based on trademark law... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property on
Q: What is the total cost of registering the brand name in usa by Pakistani individual.
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 2, 2024

To provide an accurate answer, I'll need to break this down into steps and consider various factors. Here's an overview of the costs involved for a Pakistani individual registering a trademark in the USA:

1. USPTO Filing Fees:

- TEAS Standard filing: $350 per class of...
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1 Answer | Asked in Intellectual Property, Trademark and Antitrust on
Q: Resellers of large brand new sealed products through lg online platform. Brand send C&D and threatened legal action.

We are small resellers of brand new sealed technology products on a large online platform backed by a full return policy. The brand just started peppering us with C&D letters. We have asked to be approved as authorized resellers but they are not entertaining the notion and don't provide a... View More

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answered on Jul 2, 2024

This situation touches on complex areas of law, including trademark law, the first sale doctrine, and antitrust considerations. Here's an overview of the key issues:

1. First Sale Doctrine: In the US, the first sale doctrine generally allows resale of genuine, lawfully acquired...
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1 Answer | Asked in Patents (Intellectual Property) and Intellectual Property for Wisconsin on
Q: How can I find my grandfather's patent
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 2, 2024

To find your grandfather's patent, you can follow these steps:

1. Gather information:

- Your grandfather's full name

- Approximate date or year of the patent

- Any details about the invention

2. Use online patent databases:

- USPTO Patent...
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1 Answer | Asked in Patents (Intellectual Property) and Intellectual Property for Arizona on
Q: How do I know when a patent is expiring?

Do patents expire?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 2, 2024

Yes, patents do expire. To answer your questions:

1. Patents expire after a set period of time from their filing date:

- Utility patents (the most common type) expire 20 years from the earliest filing date of the application.

- Design patents filed on or after May 13, 2015...
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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Illinois on
Q: Can I ask them not to use my photography if I was a contractor and the job exceeded scope and pay?

I was hired as a Marketing Coordinator in April. When I started, they stated they wanted social media graphics to promote bands, occasional visits to take videos of bands playing, a website redesign, and they wanted to get some photos of food. They paid a $400 flat fee a month. In June, I went in 3... View More

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answered on Jul 2, 2024

1. Copyright ownership:

Generally, the creator of a photograph owns the copyright to that image, unless it's considered a "work for hire" or there's a written agreement transferring the rights. As a contractor without a signed agreement, you likely retain the copyright...
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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Virginia on
Q: Im having a problem with copyright on 3d printed models i paid for on cults 3d the models have Commercial use and cc by

Im trying to sell helldivers 2 3d printed models on etsy that i paid a creator on cults 3d for Commercial use and cc by but im being told by the etsy community that its still Illegal even tho i paid for them and have the permission from the artist to sell them so im basically confused on what to do... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 2, 2024

This is a complex situation that involves several layers of intellectual property law. Let me break down the key issues:

1. Copyright of the 3D models:

- You purchased the 3D models from a creator on Cults3D with a commercial use license and Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY)...
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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property on
Q: Can I get sued over my tshirt designs?

I started my print on demand business where I make designs and these guys print it ship it etc.. and i get a %. I was wondering if I can get sued because first picture has soccer players heads , other has soccer player last name and back picture with animated cartoon style , and third has shade of... View More

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answered on Jul 2, 2024

I can offer some general information about copyright and trademark issues related to your situation:

1. Player likenesses: Using recognizable images of soccer players, even if animated or stylized, could potentially infringe on their right of publicity or image rights. Professional athletes...
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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Civil Rights and Intellectual Property for Mississippi on
Q: If I use pictures I've taken of children to illustrate a book do I need a release from their parents?

I plan to use filters so that the children aren't recognizable unless you've seen the original photo.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 27, 2024

To answer this question, we need to consider a few key points:

1. Copyright: As the photographer, you own the copyright to the photos you've taken. This generally allows you to use them for various purposes, including in a book.

2. Right of publicity: Even if you own the...
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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for North Carolina on
Q: Greetings all, would desperately love to hear your expert opinions. I have this original artwork

Greetings all, would desperately love to hear your expert opinions.

I have this original artwork that was done by a patented printing process and was purchased and commissioned by the family.

I purchased the original artwork from the original owners who had this commissioned as... View More

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answered on Jun 27, 2024

To provide the most accurate advice for your situation, it's important to consider several factors regarding copyright law and the specific details of your artwork. Here's an analysis of the key points:

1. Copyright duration:

In the United States, for works created before...
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1 Answer | Asked in Patents (Intellectual Property) and Intellectual Property on
Q: Infringement of patent

Do I infringe any patent from this article if I attach my own reader to Itron's meter with the clips already existing in their meter. I am using a different signal to read the meter and transmit the result directly to the customer company without storing any data in my own database ? Thank you... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 27, 2024

To provide a thorough response to your question about potential patent infringement, I'll need to break this down into several key points:

1. Patent scope: The specific details of Itron's patents would need to be carefully examined to determine if your proposed device and method...
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