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Intellectual Property Questions & Answers
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??

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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.

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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"?
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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

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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?
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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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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property on
Q: If i was to use a random fictional characters name in a story then it happens to be similar to someone else's?

Will I be sued, what would be the proper legal advice?

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answered on Mar 10, 2024

Under federal law in the United States, using a fictional character's name in a story that happens to be similar to a real person's name would not typically expose you to legal liability, as long as you're not intentionally trying to portray or defame the real person.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property on
Q: If I own a diary farm in South Africa, can I use the name Got Milk for my products? Or does the trademark prohibit it?
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answered on Mar 8, 2024

If you're thinking about using the name "Got Milk?" for your dairy farm products in South Africa, it's essential to be aware of trademark laws. The phrase "Got Milk?" is a famous trademark originally used in an American advertising campaign to encourage the consumption... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Texas on
Q: How would I go about sending trademark up for my motorcycle club logo
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answered on Mar 8, 2024

To trademark your motorcycle club logo, start by ensuring the logo is unique and not already in use by another entity. A thorough search through the official trademarks database of your country, such as the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in the U.S., will help you confirm this.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Washington on
Q: Can I use the term “Line Life” for tshirts for sale?

I see there is a trade mark for these words. Thank you!

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answered on Mar 8, 2024

When considering the use of "Line Life" for t-shirts you plan to sell, it's important to be aware of existing trademarks on these words. Trademarks are designed to protect the brand identity of businesses across various products and services. If "Line Life" is trademarked... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Patents (Intellectual Property) and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: can I use the technology behind the vertimax machine, the pully system, but construct it a different way?
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answered on Mar 8, 2024

In California, as in many other jurisdictions, using the technology behind a product like the VertiMax machine, specifically the pulley system, and constructing it in a different way requires careful consideration of patent laws. If the technology or any of its critical components are patented,... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for California on
Q: Can we use NWWA as our rap group name that we're creating.

The problem is that there's a group called NWA, so that's the thing worrying us.

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answered on Mar 8, 2024

Using "NWWA" as your rap group's name when there is already a well-known group called "NWA" does present potential concerns. The proximity in name could lead to confusion or comparisons, potentially affecting how your group is perceived. It's important to consider how... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Intellectual Property for Michigan on
Q: Received a cease and desist letter from a brand. Do I have to reply?

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

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for Michigan on
Q: How can I as a filmmaking student contact DC Comics and try to get authorization in order to use their characters?
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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...
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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for New York on
Q: Is it illegal if I take/use pictures of nightclubs using my own phone/camera to use on my app that's based on NYC clubs?

I am creating an app that helps people make smarter decisions when going out. We have a lot of venues on the app and reached out to many to see if we can use their content (from Instagram and their websites) but we have not received a response yet. We have read the privacy terms on various clubs... View More

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answered on Mar 8, 2024

The legality of using your own photos and videos of nightclubs for a commercial app depends on several factors. Here are some key considerations:

1. Copyright: If your photos/videos capture any copyrighted material such as artwork, logos, or distinctive architectural features, you would...
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