Get free answers to your Intellectual Property legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I am writing a history book for publication about people in my hometown who lived in the late 1800s. Since newspapers don’t exist anymore from that time, my two choices are either microfilm at my local library or websites that have digitized newspapers. Both options are nothing more than exact... View More 
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answered on May 1, 2024
Yes, newspapers and U.S. Censuses published before January 1, 1929, are generally considered to be in the public domain in the United States and are free to use without restriction.
According to U.S. copyright law, works published before 1929 have fallen into the public domain due to... View More
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answered on May 1, 2024
Editing and redistributing a game's .dll file without permission is likely to be illegal for several reasons:
1. Copyright infringement: Most games and their associated files are protected by copyright. Modifying and distributing copyrighted files without the owner's permission is... View More
Received a cease and desist letter from a brands attorney for selling some of their Products on Amazon. Immediately unlisted any active listing on Amazon. Letter states to reply by email or phone within a week stating my compliance with their orders which are to cease the sale of any more product... View More
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answered on Mar 8, 2024
When you receive a cease and desist letter, it's a formal request to stop allegedly illegal activity. While you've taken the initial step by removing the listings, responding to the letter is generally advisable. This response can serve as documented proof of your compliance, which might... View More
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answered on Mar 8, 2024
As a filmmaking student wanting to use DC Comics characters in your project, you should follow the proper channels to obtain permission and avoid potential copyright issues. Here are some steps you can take:
1. Determine the rights needed: Identify which characters you want to use and in... View More
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answered on Mar 4, 2024
To find out the status of a patent application submitted through Mitsubishi or any other entity, you have several options to explore. Initially, you can check the public databases provided by patent offices, such as the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in the U.S. or the World... View More
Will provide more information about metadata and Names, I have secured my files, and most of my sites. They stole my information Through a breach in one or more sites.
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answered on Feb 25, 2024
Here are some steps I would recommend taking if your music has been stolen from your online profiles:
1. Document everything. Gather all evidence you have that shows the music originated with you, as well evidence of who stole it and where they have posted your content. Metadata, time... View More
My music and my files have been stolen, from multiple media sites, My metadata to my songs were altered.I have proof. The sites short list is Jango and Radio airplay, they even got into my Soundcloud and Spotify, I will supply information but I don't know who to trust.
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answered on Feb 23, 2024
If you're facing copyright infringement issues with your music and files being stolen from various media sites, it's crucial to seek legal assistance from an attorney experienced in copyright law. Start by gathering all evidence you have, including proof of ownership, timestamps, and any... View More
Can I create illustrations of muscle cars from different periods and use them to create posters I will sell?
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answered on Feb 21, 2024
Creating illustrations of muscle cars from different periods and using them to create posters for sale could potentially raise copyright issues. While the physical design of the cars themselves may not be protected by copyright, certain elements such as logos, emblems, or distinctive features... View More
To put it on sweatshirts and tshirts and pants and hoodies and jackets
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answered on Feb 21, 2024
To determine if "Make Money Not Friends" is trademarked, you would need to conduct a search in the relevant trademark databases. This includes the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database and possibly other international trademark databases depending on your location.... View More
As far as i've seen on its page, music isn't included in the statements fields, which makes me think that I am actually allowed.
It's a cover song and I can pay the royalty fees to upload on the stores.
Thank you in advance.
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answered on Feb 21, 2024
While the title "Death Stranding" is associated with a video game, it does not necessarily mean that you cannot use it for your song. However, it's crucial to consider potential trademark issues, as the title may be protected under trademark law if it's associated with specific... View More
The Biodiversity Heritage Library (funded in part by the Smithsonian) has several thousand art images and photographs posted on Flickr, listed as "Public Domain" art. Their terms of use seem to indicate that anyone can use them with no restrictions, but I am confused about whether or not... View More
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answered on Feb 21, 2024
Navigating the rules around public domain images can indeed be complex, especially when institutions like the Biodiversity Heritage Library (BHL) and platforms like Flickr are involved. While the BHL may list images as public domain on Flickr, it's essential to understand the terms of use... View More
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answered on Jan 8, 2024
Trademarking a product like "Crypto Punk Vapes" involves considering both trademark law and potential copyright or intellectual property rights of others. First, to trademark a name or brand, it must be distinctive and not already in use for similar products or services.
However,... View More
For example, the function is different but is represented in different shapes, is it still okay? And where do I research the copyrights and patents of other apps, so I don’t get into trouble? Also, does the copyright law and patents issued in United States still apply in China?
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answered on Jan 5, 2024
To ensure that your app does not infringe on the copyrights or patents of other apps, it's important to conduct thorough research. For copyrights, especially regarding source code and graphics, ensure that any content you use is original or properly licensed. Avoid using code, images, or... View More
I am writing a book about events in the 1970s. The book will be about a journey through the 1970s from someone who lived through it. It will be facts and events for each year with some experience from the narrator.
Here is an example excerpt:
"October 1, 1971 - Opening of Walt... View More
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answered on Dec 30, 2023
Yes, you can mention brands, names, people, and places in your book, especially when discussing historical events and real-world entities as part of a non-fiction narrative or a work of fiction based in a real historical context. In your example, referencing Walt Disney World as part of a... View More
Attempted to design an original t-shirt with the phrase “wine the hell not” but the listing is being taken down due to an individual claiming trademark infringement on his phrase “wine not” for various clothing items. Does this person have grounds for this or is my phrase original enough to... View More
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answered on Dec 9, 2023
In assessing whether your phrase "Wine the hell not" infringes on the "Wine not" trademark, a key factor is the likelihood of confusion among consumers. Trademark infringement hinges on whether consumers might mistake your product for one associated with the trademarked phrase.... View More
Different manufacturers knife handle that has a separate patent be infringing?
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answered on Oct 23, 2023
Patent infringement occurs when someone makes, uses, sells, or offers to sell a patented invention without the patent owner's permission. If the knife blade is only similar in shape but has a different ornamentation, it might not infringe on the original patent, provided the ornamentation is... View More
Different manufacturers knife handle that has a separate patent be infringing?
answered on Oct 19, 2023
There is nothing to prevent you from combining two or more elements from different patents to produce somethin novel and patentable. However the product needs to be novel and non-obvious.
On the other hand if your question is whether ou would be infringing if you took a patentad product,... View More
Because it does not use the letter 'O', in "Protect" would that make a difference?
The shirts would be for use for games, pep rallies, etc.
I would want to sell the shirts to the staff and students that would like them.
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answered on Oct 15, 2023
Using the phrase "Pr ( ) tect This House" with an Earth picture in place of the letter "O" may be perceived as a play on words or design that resembles an existing trademark or phrase. If a company has rights to a similar phrase, even minor alterations could still potentially... View More
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answered on Sep 24, 2023
Sayings or phrases themselves cannot be patented; patents cover inventions and processes. However, sayings can be trademarked or copyrighted, depending on the context. If a saying is trademarked or copyrighted, you would need permission or a license to use it in your design to avoid infringement.
answered on Sep 25, 2023
You are likely referring to a trademark, as phrases can't be patented. If the phrase is trademarked, you would need the permission of the trademark owner to use it on similar goods/services. If you plan to use the phrase for something very different, then you may not need permission. You... View More
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