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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Michigan on
Q: Can I create illustrations of muscle cars from different periods and use them in to create posters?

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

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

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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 Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Alabama on
Q: Am I committing trademark infringement by using a brand and trademark that has been dormant for over 25 years?

3dfx made computer accessories under the Voodoo brand. Nvidia, who makes the GeForce series of computer accessories acquired 3dfx in 2001 and shut them down. Nvidia never uses any of their branding or trademarks, they only use portions of technology that was internally developed. Over 20 years... View More

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answered on Feb 21, 2024

Using a brand and trademark that has been dormant for over 25 years could potentially lead to trademark infringement issues, even if the original owner has ceased using it. Trademark rights can persist as long as the owner continues to renew and maintain them, regardless of whether they actively... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Michigan on
Q: Is make money not friends a trade marked

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

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property on
Q: For my high school project ad, how do I use music safely to avoid copyright issues? The video will be on Instagram & YT.

To whoever this question may concern,

Hello, I hope this message finds you well. My name is Kaitlin, a sophomore in highschool. I was just curious about music copyright and using it for an unofficial advertisement. I'm planning to create a short motion graphics ad to promote a beverage... View More

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answered on Feb 21, 2024

To use music safely in your high school project ad and avoid copyright issues, you should seek music that is licensed for free use. Websites like YouTube Audio Library, Free Music Archive, and SoundCloud offer a variety of music tracks that are available for free use under Creative Commons... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gaming, Copyright and Intellectual Property on
Q: Can I use game footage in a project for a film competition?

I would like to participate in a film contest - I have a booktrailer to make. Fortunately for me, the book I want to describe has a game adaptation. Can I use clips from the game and ultimately show the book and its author as part of this project? The main goal of the contest is to popularize the... View More

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answered on Feb 21, 2024

Using game footage in your project for a film competition raises potential copyright issues. While your goal is to promote the book, incorporating clips from the game adaptation could infringe on the game developer's copyright. Even if your intention is to popularize the book, using... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Gaming, Intellectual Property and Patents (Intellectual Property) for Tennessee on
Q: The game that I've created has many businesses that reflect real businesses. Logos and names changed. Is this legal?

I'm a Game Developer and my game contains many businesses that reflect those of real life. For example, there is a fast food restaurant called TFC that has a black and white logo of a cowboy. This virtual location looks similar to KFC, using a similar font and color pattern. Will I get in... View More

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answered on Feb 21, 2024

Using businesses in your game that closely resemble real-life businesses, including logos and names changed, can potentially raise legal issues related to trademark infringement and intellectual property rights. While your game may not be centered around these establishments, if the similarities... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Washington on
Q: Is the word paramount trademarked or copyrighted

.

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answered on Feb 21, 2024

The word "paramount" is not typically trademarked or copyrighted in its generic usage. However, it's essential to consider the context in which the word is used. If "paramount" is being used as a brand name, title, or slogan in connection with specific goods or services, it... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Patents (Intellectual Property) for Georgia on
Q: I have developed a math puzzle game. I want to copyright) patent it, or sell to game manufacturer or media house. Advise
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

To protect your math puzzle game, you have a few options. Copyright would protect the specific expression of your game, such as the artwork, design, and written instructions, but not the underlying idea or concept. Patenting your game could protect the idea or mechanics behind it, but this can be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Michigan on
Q: Good morning.I was wondering if I could call a song of mine "Death Stranding"

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

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Georgia on
Q: If I commission art and don’t like the hair and get someone to edit it, is it a violation of VARA?

A friend of mine had digital art made for their stream but the hair on the character was incorrect so she had it changed. The artist is claiming that it violates their rights under VARA

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answered on Feb 21, 2024

Under the Visual Artists Rights Act (VARA), artists have certain rights to integrity of their work, which includes the right to prevent alterations or modifications that could harm their reputation. However, VARA protections generally apply to physical works of art rather than digital creations.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Texas on
Q: Can I create an illustration for publication that contains 3 characters from a movie or a room from a reality show?

I have written a book and hired an illustrator to create artwork for each chapter. The book is very tongue-in-cheek, and the illustrations are whimsical. One of the chapters is about group resources, such as support groups. There is a movie that has a support group scene, and I was hoping to... View More

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answered on Feb 21, 2024

Including characters from a movie or a room from a reality show in your illustrations could potentially infringe on copyright or intellectual property rights, depending on the specific circumstances. While your illustrations may be whimsical and cartoony, if the characters or settings are... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Utah on
Q: Copyright: If multiple people contribute to a finish document who has copyright to it?

We often survey and map caves. Typically this involves people shooting survey instruments, then sketchers recording the data and hand drawing a map, and then a cartography takes all the data and makes a digital version. Many people in our world assume the cartographer who makes the finished digital... View More

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answered on Feb 21, 2024

In situations where multiple people contribute to the creation of a finished document, determining copyright ownership can be complex. Copyright law typically recognizes the contributions of each individual involved in the creation process. While it's common for people to assume that the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Business Law, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Nebraska on
Q: Is it illegal for me to use Hidden Valley's Ranch seasoning to flavor my snack pretzels that I sell out of my home?

I use the Hidden Valley Dill Ranch seasoning to flavor my snack pretzels. I then package the pretzels under my brand and sell them at farmer's markets across my state, Nebraska. Is this illegal? Is using the Hidden Valley seasoning to flavor my pretzels that I resell under my brand illegal?

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answered on Feb 21, 2024

Using Hidden Valley's Ranch seasoning to flavor your snack pretzels and then reselling them under your brand could potentially raise legal concerns regarding trademark infringement or unauthorized use of the seasoning. While you may have purchased the seasoning legally, repackaging and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Can I use these fonts commercially?

I want to use a couple of fonts (Cabin by ImpallariType and Liberation Sans from Liberation Fonts) which it says are licensed under the Open Font License for YouTube videos which I plan to monetize. I want to make sure that I am actually free to use them commercially for free before using them... View More

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answered on Feb 21, 2024

The Open Font License (OFL) allows you to use fonts like Cabin and Liberation Sans for commercial purposes, including monetized YouTube videos. However, it's important to review the specific terms of the license to ensure compliance with its requirements. The OFL typically permits you to use,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark on
Q: can i trade mark LITTLE MISS ROSÈ?

I would like to start a print on demand service for T-Shirts, Mugs and other items using the character and name of LITTLE MISS ROSÈ

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answered on Feb 21, 2024

Under U.S. trademark law, you may be able to trademark the name "LITTLE MISS ROSÈ" for your print-on-demand service, provided it meets certain criteria. To be eligible for trademark protection, the name must be distinctive and not merely descriptive of the goods or services you offer.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Education Law and Intellectual Property for Kansas on
Q: are photos saved to a school account on a school device protected by 1st amendment?

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answered on Feb 21, 2024

The First Amendment protects freedom of speech and expression, but its application in specific contexts can vary. When it comes to photos saved to a school account on a school device, the situation may not fall squarely within the realm of First Amendment protection. Schools often have their own... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property on
Q: Hello. im from iran and i wanted to know if i can get sued for violating copyright laws...

for additional information i want to note that my country hasnt signed the WIPO copyright treaty and isn't a member of the berne convention. so considering these, is there a possibility that i might get sued by violating copyright laws inside iran? i want to pirate a game and i don't want... View More

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answered on Feb 21, 2024

It's important to understand that copyright laws vary from country to country, and the absence of international agreements like the WIPO copyright treaty and membership in the Berne Convention can affect the legal landscape regarding copyright in Iran. However, even without these treaties,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for New York on
Q: Can I create a name that is "word1 and word 2: word 3 word 4 word 5" when "word1 and word2" is already a trade mark?

I have a product with 6 words. But it seems the first 2 words are trademarked. Can I still use this name or would I need to change it all?

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answered on Feb 21, 2024

If "word1 and word2" is already a trademark, it's crucial to proceed with caution. Even if you use "word3 word4 word5" along with it, there could still be potential legal issues, especially if the combination creates confusion with the existing trademark. Using part of a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Is there any copyright infringement for summarization of newsletter texts with AI tools?

I’m working on a startup idea that focuses on summarizing specialized newsletters content and send it to them via email. In the summary, there will be link to the newsletter full content.

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answered on Feb 21, 2024

Here are a few key considerations around potential copyright infringement for summarizing newsletter content using AI tools:

- Newsletters are typically copyrighted content, so reproducing substantive portions of the text without permission could constitute copyright infringement. However,...
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