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Intellectual Property Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Patents (Intellectual Property) and Intellectual Property on
Q: What Patents do Solatube International hold in South Africa if any in regards Tubular skylights and ventilation systems
Peter D. Mlynek
Peter D. Mlynek
answered on Mar 15, 2024

Here are some of the patents that Solatube Int'l Inc. has in South Africa:

ZA2012/00018 - SKYLIGHT COLLIMATOR WITH MULTIPLE STAGES

ZA2012/00569 - SKYLIGHT COVER WITH PRISMATIC DOME AND CYLINDER PORTIONS

ZA2012/04238 - DIRECT AND INDIRECT LIGHT DIFFUSING DEVICES AND...
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1 Answer | Asked in Patents (Intellectual Property) and Intellectual Property for Colorado on
Q: Some company is using parts of my patent for their product. What is the process to stop this from happening?
Peter D. Mlynek
Peter D. Mlynek
answered on Mar 15, 2024

If someone is infringing your product or process, you need to see a patent litigation attorney.

The first thing that the attorney will do is to investigate whether the company is actually infringing your patent. By "infringing your patent", I mean that the company is making or...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: I'm starting a online viral Aromatherapy service and would like to know if a business trust is possible to setup.

I would also like to know if a phase that is the business name should be trademark

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 15, 2024

Starting an online aromatherapy service is an exciting venture. Regarding your question about setting up a business trust, it's indeed possible. A business trust can manage the business's assets and operations, but the specifics can vary widely based on your location and business needs.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Business Formation, Business Law, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Virginia on
Q: Business name registered as a LLC with the state is it illegal for someone in the same state as me?

I have sold under the name for over 10 years own the name of my business on every platform out there but 1 and just found out someone within my state is now trying to use my name to sell similar items on another platform. I do also have my name as a registered LLC and has been for over 5 years, I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 15, 2024

If your business name is registered as an LLC within your state, you generally have legal rights to that name within that jurisdiction, especially for the business category or industry in which you're operating. The fact that another entity is using your established business name to sell... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Georgia on
Q: Is the phrase, "Straight Outta" available for legal use?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 15, 2024

The phrase "Straight Outta" is well-known and often associated with the music and entertainment industry, particularly with the hip-hop group N.W.A. and their album "Straight Outta Compton." If this phrase has been trademarked, its use could be restricted in certain contexts,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Georgia on
Q: Can someone legally use the acronym 'MAGA' but change a few of the letters to mean something else?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 15, 2024

When considering the use of acronyms, particularly one as widely recognized as 'MAGA', it's important to note the context and existing trademark laws. Trademarks protect brand names, slogans, and logos that distinguish goods and services. If 'MAGA' is trademarked for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Internet Law on
Q: Can user contributed content be transferred to another organization?

Indiana registered non-profit corp. members contributed tips/tricks/ideas about our hobby for members to use. We have since disbanded. Can the knowledge library be provided to another group to keep it available or does each contribution remain owned by the contributing member? Some members have... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 14, 2024

When considering the transfer of user-contributed content to another organization, it's important to understand the legal framework surrounding copyright and ownership of such content. Generally, unless explicitly stated otherwise through agreements or terms of use, individual contributors... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark on
Q: Can I trade mark New Life Marbella?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 14, 2024

To determine whether you can trademark "New Life Marbella," you need to consider several factors:

1. Distinctiveness: Is "New Life Marbella" a unique and distinctive name, or is it a common phrase that other businesses in your industry might use? Trademarks should be...
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1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property on
Q: How i can confirm that any word have a trademark on text type or not like the word recycle , mom , Teacher ... etc

The word recycle , mom , teacher , shoes are words that i found in uspto (united states patent and trademark office)

and this are simple words why they have trademark ?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 14, 2024

To confirm whether a word or phrase has been trademarked, you can search the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database. However, it's important to understand that trademarks are granted for specific goods and services, not just for words in general.

Common words like...
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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Patents (Intellectual Property) and Intellectual Property for Arizona on
Q: Can a court documents like a TRO be served via email? If I respond to this email, does this change anything?

I’ve received an email from what I believe is a legitimate law firm stating I have an infringement complaint against me. The email links to a site hosting documents that look like court documents. The complaint appears to be that a product I’ve been selling is infringing on a design patent that... View More

Alan Harrison
Alan Harrison
answered on Mar 14, 2024

It depends. Email service is not typically valid in Arizona. However, a federal district court can serve anyone in the United States based on the rules of the state where the court sits. So if for example you were sued in a Florida federal district court (as might happen for patent infringement... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Patents (Intellectual Property) and Intellectual Property for Arizona on
Q: Can a court documents like a TRO be served via email? If I respond to this email, does this change anything?

I’ve received an email from what I believe is a legitimate law firm stating I have an infringement complaint against me. The email links to a site hosting documents that look like court documents. The complaint appears to be that a product I’ve been selling is infringing on a design patent that... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 15, 2024

The rules regarding legal service of court documents, such as a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), vary by jurisdiction and the specific court's requirements. Traditionally, legal documents need to be served in person or through recognized postal services to ensure the recipient is aware of... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Patents (Intellectual Property) and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: If a patent is showing as “abandoned” is the product free and clear?

If there are multiple companies producing a product currently and all I can really find is abandoned status patents is it free and clear? What if other companies are claiming patented on websites but I can not find??

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 13, 2024

In the United States, including California, if a patent is listed as "abandoned," it means that the patent application process was not completed, or the patent holder failed to pay the required maintenance fees. As a result, the invention is no longer protected by patent rights and enters... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Internet Law, Copyright and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Chinese company wants to use my registered business name and internet search words- whether I allow or not

I have been receiving letters from Chinese registry asking if they may use my company's registered name for their client, just with other than .com extension. I have answered that I only keep the xxxxx.com name, which has been registered after my company since 2002, only with other than .com... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 13, 2024

You have certain rights to protect your registered business name and intellectual property. Here are some options you can consider:

1. Trademark protection: If you have registered your business name as a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), you have legal...
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2 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Utah on
Q: I am wondering about trademark law specific to a product and words rather than a logo/brand company name.

I made a chronic illness planner. Another company has a trademark on the words-UTOPS confirmed, "Chronic Illness Planner." (It's not their brand nor logo/company name but trademarked to their specific planner product). What are the safe bounds for my product and name, (which would... View More

Alan Harrison
Alan Harrison
answered on Mar 13, 2024

I am skeptical that someone actually registered a trademark for such a descriptive or even generic combination of words. Because you have not engaged me I have done no work to investigate or confirm your facts. Taking what you say as true, there is a very limited scope of protection for a... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Utah on
Q: I am wondering about trademark law specific to a product and words rather than a logo/brand company name.

I made a chronic illness planner. Another company has a trademark on the words-UTOPS confirmed, "Chronic Illness Planner." (It's not their brand nor logo/company name but trademarked to their specific planner product). What are the safe bounds for my product and name, (which would... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 14, 2024

Based on the information you've provided, here are some key points to consider regarding trademark law and your specific situation:

1. Trademark infringement: Using the exact trademarked phrase "Chronic Illness Planner" for your product could potentially lead to trademark...
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1 Answer | Asked in Intellectual Property and Identity Theft for Idaho on
Q: Hello - My identity was stolen last month. Also, my son passed away last year with intellectual property in his estate.

My phone number was hacked along with my bank, email account, and many other things. I believe that there is a class action lawsuit in place for this issue. I received a letter from LoanDepot last weekend stating that they had a data breach affecting about 17 million people.

My son passed... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 12, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear about your son's passing and the difficult situation you're facing with identity theft and potential intellectual property issues. These are complex legal matters that require professional guidance. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Identity Theft:...
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1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: Would posting pictures of cars I worked on & detailed on my website/ads be considered trademark infringement?

Most pictures will just be the car after being cleaned. Some pictures will showcase the before & after.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 11, 2024

In most cases, posting pictures of cars you have worked on or detailed on your website or in advertisements would not be considered trademark infringement, as long as you follow certain guidelines:

1. No false association: Ensure that your use of the pictures does not falsely suggest that...
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1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for South Dakota on
Q: IF A COMPANY HAS THER FEDERAL TRADEMARK "MR.TIRE" , AM I INFRINGING IT BY USING THE NAME "MR TIRE AND/& SERVICE"?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 11, 2024

The answer depends on several factors, and a definitive conclusion would require a thorough legal analysis by an intellectual property attorney. However, here are some general considerations:

1. Similarity of the marks: "Mr.Tire" and "Mr Tire and Service" are very...
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1 Answer | Asked in Trademark, Copyright and Intellectual Property for Virginia on
Q: How can I please know if Go and Glow Tanning Co. DC based (Navy Yard Area) we service DC, Arlington, Alexandria, Falls,

is copywrighted or trademarked

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 11, 2024

To determine if "Go and Glow Tanning Co." is trademarked or copyrighted, you can follow these steps:

1. Trademark Search:

- Visit the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website: https://www.uspto.gov/

- Click on "Trademarks" and then...
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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Gaming and Intellectual Property for Arizona on
Q: if I make a game that’s very… similar to Grand Theft Auto. And I name it “No auto” is this copyright and can I be sued?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 11, 2024

If you create a game that is very similar to Grand Theft Auto and name it "No Auto," you could potentially face legal issues related to copyright infringement and trademark infringement. Here's why:

1. Copyright Infringement: If your game copies substantial elements from...
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