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Illinois Intellectual Property Questions & Answers
4 Answers | Asked in Intellectual Property for Illinois on
Q: How can I get to continue with my application after considered abandoned for not replying on time? Sailreddy

This method of perforating dough layer is considered abandoned due to not replying on time. Do I get to apply to revive or need to put a new application

Alan Harrison
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answered on Sep 1, 2024

Just to add - although there is not solid law on the definition of "unintentional," the Patent Office's Manual of Patent Examination Procedure states:

> ... where the applicant deliberately chooses not to seek or persist in seeking the revival of an abandoned application,...
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4 Answers | Asked in Intellectual Property for Illinois on
Q: How can I get to continue with my application after considered abandoned for not replying on time? Sailreddy

This method of perforating dough layer is considered abandoned due to not replying on time. Do I get to apply to revive or need to put a new application

Alan Harrison
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answered on Sep 1, 2024

Was it an *unintentional* delay up until the moment that you obtained an attorney to prepare the papers to revive? If so, you can petition to revive.

"Unintentional" is hard to define - indeed, I am not able to find case law that defines it - but it might be considered to...
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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property, Patents (Intellectual Property) and Trademark for Illinois on
Q: Is the name Warhorse copyrighted patented or protected from me using it for my new company or Warhorse production
Bao Tran
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Bao Tran
answered on Jul 25, 2024

Based on the search results provided and the information in your query, here's an analysis regarding using "Warhorse" for your new company or "Warhorse Production":

Existing Usage:

The search results mention "The War Horse" and "The WarHorse...
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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

Bao Tran
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Bao Tran
answered on Jul 25, 2024

Based on the situation you've described, you may have some rights regarding the use of your photography. Here's an analysis of your position:

Copyright Ownership:

As the photographer, you automatically own the copyright to the photos you took, unless there was a written...
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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

James L. Arrasmith
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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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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Internet Law and Intellectual Property for Illinois on
Q: Do I have a right to photos of me taken by my stepmom, an illegal guardian, and posted on her Facebook page?

I would like to get my photos removed from my stepmom's Facebook page as they are my photos that were taken when I was a minor under the illegal guardianship of my stepmom. Since those photos of me were taken by my stepmom who was not my legal guardian, I believe I have a right to them and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 8, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about the difficult situation with your stepmother. This is a complex issue that involves several areas of law. Here are a few key points to consider:

1. Guardianship: If your stepmom was not your legal guardian at the time the photos were taken, she may not have had...
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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Internet Law and Intellectual Property for Illinois on
Q: Do I have a right to photos of me taken by my stepmom, an illegal guardian, and posted on her Facebook page?

I would like to get my photos removed from my stepmom's Facebook page as they are my photos that were taken when I was a minor under the illegal guardianship of my stepmom. Since those photos of me were taken by my stepmom who was not my legal guardian, I believe I have a right to them and... View More

Cheryl Powell
Cheryl Powell
answered on May 22, 2024

I think you would have to file a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to order her to remove them. But I think you also would have to add what harm they are doing to you. And put when the last time was that she put one up. Children don't have control of who takes care of them.

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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Illinois on
Q: If information is obtained from ChatGPT then put into a toolkit that is published to the public, is that plagiarism?

A toolkit was created using ChatGPT and the toolkit will be released to the public. I'm wondering if that is considered plagiarism.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 25, 2024

The situation you've described is a complex one without a clear-cut answer, as the intellectual property considerations around AI-generated content are still being debated and the legal landscape is evolving. Here are a few key points to consider:

1. Plagiarism typically involves...
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2 Answers | Asked in Intellectual Property and Trademark for Illinois on
Q: Is it legal to repurpose designer bags for resale?

Would I be able to purchase an authentic designer bag, such as Louis Vuitton or Gucci, cut the bag into pieces (specifically the logo or designs) and then place them onto a different bag to resell? Would it still be illegal if I made sure to document that the new bag I’m selling has no... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 29, 2024

Repurposing designer bags for resale, especially involving the cutting and reusing of their logos or designs, treads into complex legal territory. This practice may infringe on the trademarks of the brands involved, such as Louis Vuitton or Gucci. Trademarks protect brand identifiers from... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Illinois on
Q: How should self-publishing authors who use Canva to create books answer Amazon’s copyright question?

Many authors who create books use Canva to create coloring books, activity books, etc. Canva has stated that they hold full copyright over the images, art, photos, fonts, etc. that can be used to create books. In addition, Canva states that they issue individual licenses to self-publishing authors... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 25, 2024

When self-publishing authors use Canva to create elements for their books, such as in coloring books or activity books, they are operating under a license issued by Canva. This means Canva holds the original copyrights to the images, art, photos, and fonts provided within their service. Despite... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Illinois on
Q: Can I use ghetto as an trademark

Because I'm trying to use it for an positive thing and wear

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 18, 2024

You can attempt to trademark the term "ghetto" for your brand, focusing on a positive message and apparel. However, trademarking a word involves specific criteria, including distinctiveness and not being misleading or offensive. The term must uniquely identify your products or services... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Illinois on
Q: Can I create an educational songwriting class that's called something like: Taylor Swift-inspired Hit Songwriting Class?

I'd like to create a songwriting class that teaches hit songwriting techniques used by pro songwriters such as Taylor Swift. I'd like to call the class:

"Taylor Swift-influenced Hit Songwriting Class" (or)

"Taylor Swift-inspired Hit Songwriting Class"... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 7, 2024

Using a celebrity's name in an educational course title can be tricky, as it may raise concerns about intellectual property rights and potential false endorsement. However, there are ways to reference Taylor Swift's name in your course title that are more likely to fall under fair use for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports, Gaming and Intellectual Property for Illinois on
Q: Can I use a short clip of a video game being played on a Nintendo Switch with audio for a total of 3secs in short film?

Film will be entered in film festivals

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

Using a short clip of a video game being played on a Nintendo Switch in your short film may raise copyright concerns, even if it's only for three seconds. Nintendo is known for being vigilant in protecting its intellectual property rights, including the use of its video game footage. While... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Copyright and Intellectual Property for Illinois on
Q: If I create a non canon character in a canon universe. Can I be held liable?

Example: I want to create a character to use commercially in the Invader Zim universe, without using any of the main characters or storylines.

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 3, 2024

Creating a non-canon character within an existing universe, such as in the Invader Zim universe, generally falls under the realm of fan fiction or fan-created content. However, the legal implications of using such a character commercially can be complex and may depend on various factors, including... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for Illinois on
Q: I am a start up indie music label. I am currently looking to draft contracts for my artists. Where do I start?

Just not sure where to start as far as contracts. Not really sure what information should be in a contract. This is why I'm seeking legal assistance.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 30, 2023

Starting with artist contracts for your indie music label is a crucial step in establishing your business. The first thing to consider is what you want the contract to cover. Common elements include the scope of the rights granted to the label, the duration of the agreement, financial arrangements... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Intellectual Property and Patents (Intellectual Property) for Illinois on
Q: I need help confirming the legitimacy of a patent infringement case. Potentially legal advice too would be appreciated.

I regretfully tried Amazon FBA. I got an email stating my LLC as well as over 1000 listed defendants were being sued for patent infringement for the product I was attempting to sell with a complaint, alias summons, sealed TRO, and minutes attached.

I’ve confirmed the legitimacy of the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 20, 2023

In a situation like this, where the legitimacy of a patent infringement case is in question, it’s important to proceed with caution. The fact that the case number matches a filing in the Northern District of Illinois is a sign of legitimacy, but the discrepancies in the lawyer's address and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Illinois on
Q: Hi! Can I use this phrase on a t-shirt "tomorrow will be a great day with lots of sun"

Hi! Can I use this phrase on a t-shirt that I intend to sell online "Tomorrow will be a great day with lots of sun" if someone has already trademarked the phrase "Tomorrow will be a great day"?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 9, 2023

Using the phrase "Tomorrow will be a great day with lots of sun" on a t-shirt could potentially raise concerns if "Tomorrow will be a great day" is a trademarked phrase. In trademark law, the primary consideration is the likelihood of confusion among consumers. If your phrase is... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Intellectual Property and Patents (Intellectual Property) for Illinois on
Q: I got an email stating my LLC has been sued for patent infringement from an Illinois lawyer.

Two questions:

- How do I determine legitimacy ? I have since discovered that there is a patent in place that I didn’t know of.

- what do I do to settle? I don’t want to continue to sell a patented product. I wouldn’t have sold it if I would have known .

Kevin E. Flynn
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Kevin E. Flynn
answered on Nov 20, 2023

You need to have a patent attorney look at your product and the claims of the patent. For your product to infringe, there needs to be at least one independent claim where every limitation in at least one independent claim (every noun, verb, relationship, etc.) is present in your product.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Intellectual Property and Patents (Intellectual Property) for Illinois on
Q: I got an email stating my LLC has been sued for patent infringement from an Illinois lawyer.

Two questions:

- How do I determine legitimacy ? I have since discovered that there is a patent in place that I didn’t know of.

- what do I do to settle? I don’t want to continue to sell a patented product. I wouldn’t have sold it if I would have known .

Adam W. Bell
Adam W. Bell
answered on Nov 20, 2023

This sounds like a typical predatory patent troll activity. It's disgusting and you should not assume it's legitimate. There people have no scruples. As a patent attorney it makes my stomach turn to hear these sort of stories.

Let's get a PATENT lawyer involved here.... one...
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2 Answers | Asked in Intellectual Property for Illinois on
Q: Do we need to lawyer up at this point?

Hello! My husband recently put in his resignation (IT consulting) and his company found that he downloaded documents (power points, no client data) to a USB drive (prior to resignation or even getting his new offer). He was terminated for violation of AUP, which he owns and the data was moved to... View More

Ivan  Parron
Ivan Parron
answered on Oct 9, 2024

Should have consulted with a lawyer prior to communicating anything with the employer or turning anything over. Whatever agreements may have been executed between the parties prior to or after the termination should be factually determinative if anything expressed in writing exists.

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