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Intellectual Property Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Texas on
Q: A company owe us money( big games LLC) they issue false DMCA notice. Then we issue counter notice( BEspoke Plush LLC).
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

It sounds like you're dealing with a challenging situation with Big Games LLC. When a company issues a false DMCA notice against you, it can indeed be frustrating and concerning. However, it's positive that you took action by issuing a counter notice through Bespoke Plush LLC. This step... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property on
Q: To use marvel characters containing picture not same as originalor purely differentfor printcan I use it without lisence

If not how to get lisence

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

Using Marvel characters for print without a license is not advisable as it may infringe on Marvel's intellectual property rights. Even if you modify the characters or create original artwork inspired by them, you could still be subject to legal action for copyright infringement. To obtain a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Intellectual Property and Patents (Intellectual Property) on
Q: I need to know whether my company can have the right to use a patent and whether we need to pay fee for the inventor?

My buisness in in the feild of water flteration system

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answered on Feb 21, 2024

Determining whether your company can use a patent for a water filtration system depends on several factors. Firstly, you need to identify if the patent is relevant to your business's operations and if it covers aspects of your filtration system. If the patent aligns with your technology, you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Business Law, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Maryland on
Q: Looking for Guidance on Sale of Microsoft PowerPoint Templates

I am looking to operate an online business where I sell online courses and PowerPoint templates as materials with the course. I have seen that a Microsoft Office Home and Student license is not allowed for commercial purposes.

Questions List:

1. Is the Microsoft Professional license... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

1. The Microsoft Office Professional license may indeed be suitable for distributing materials such as online courses and PowerPoint templates for commercial purposes. However, it's essential to carefully review the terms and conditions of the license to ensure that it allows for the specific... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Michigan on
Q: Public Domain images - confusing institutional rights of use

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Business Law and Intellectual Property on
Q: I have an app store; I add free apps from Google Play Store to my website.

I have an app store; I add free apps from Google Play Store to my website.

One of the companies filed a lawsuit because I added their ap to my website.

When the lawsuit was sent to the domain company, they suspended my domain without warning or giving me the opportunity to delete... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

It sounds like you're facing a challenging situation with your domain being suspended without warning due to a lawsuit over the inclusion of a company's app on your website. It's concerning that your domain host took such drastic action without giving you an opportunity to address... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: Can a church sing songs while on a LIVE (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok...)? Almost all the song by a recording artist

The 17 U.S. Code 110 does not state that a disclaimer has to be posted.

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answered on Feb 21, 2024

While churches may stream live services on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, it's essential to be mindful of copyright laws when using recorded songs during these broadcasts. The fact that the songs are performed live in a church setting does not exempt them from copyright... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Patents (Intellectual Property) and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Does the following mean the priority date is Aug 9, 2014? Anyway to get a copy of the provisional?

"This application is a continuation-in-part and claims benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/821,555, filed Aug. 7, 2015, which is a non-provisional and claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/035,412, filed Aug. 9, 2014, the specification(s) of which is/are incorporated... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

Yes, your understanding is correct. Breaking this down:

- The application claims priority and benefit back to a provisional application filed on August 9, 2014.

- This establishes August 9, 2014 as the effective priority date for assessing patentability, including the novelty...
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1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: If I create my own artwork on a T-shirt honoring a celeb. Is it legal? I plan to mail it to them.

I plan to use this celeb likeness and facts about their career. This T-shirt will NOT be for sale and is only intended for that celeb.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

Creating artwork featuring a celebrity's likeness and career facts on a T-shirt for personal use and gifting to the celebrity typically falls under the realm of freedom of expression and may not constitute a violation of intellectual property laws. However, it's essential to consider the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Can a phrase using common words be used on apparel when a pending trademark of that phrase exists?

I’d like to use a two-word phrase of common words on my apparel line (t-shirts, caps, etc.), but I found a trademark filing for these words. From what I see on the TSDR the trademark is a service mark that is still pending. The Mark information is a Standard Character Mark with no claim to font... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

Good questions! To answer this:

- The trademark with a status of "Notification of Non-Final Action Emailed” means the USPTO examiner issued an initial refusal or required some changes to the application. It is still pending and not registered.

- Importantly, a pending...
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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Do I own the copyright to the teaching handouts I draw or do I have to file for copyright?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

Yes, you automatically own the copyright to any original handouts, drawings, or other educational materials you create as an instructor. Here are some key points about copyright and your teaching materials:

- Your works are protected by copyright from the moment of creation in a fixed,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Civil Rights and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: I've built a number of custom homes for two builders. Can I post pictures of them and describe them on my new web page?

Concerned about copyright infringement or privacy issues withhomeowner?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

You would likely be fine here. I will say that, before posting pictures and descriptions of custom homes on your new website, it's important to consider potential legal issues such as copyright infringement and privacy concerns. You likely own the copyright if you, yourself, took the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Intellectual Property and Copyright for California on
Q: Can a foreign firm sue for copyright infringement on Youtube platform in California?

Currently we are having an infringer who upload our content without approval. We have copyright claim them and they counter it. Now youtube request us to have proof of legal action against them. I was wondering if we can sue them under 17 U.S.C. § 501 Copyright Infringement if in California state... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

Yes, a foreign company can sue for copyright infringement on the YouTube platform in California. The United States Copyright Law, under 17 U.S.C. § 501, applies to works that are copyrighted in the U.S., regardless of the origin of the copyright holder. This means that if your copyrighted content... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Intellectual Property and Copyright for California on
Q: Can a foreign firm sue for copyright infringement on Youtube platform in California?

Currently we are having an infringer who upload our content without approval. We have copyright claim them and they counter it. Now youtube request us to have proof of legal action against them. I was wondering if we can sue them under 17 U.S.C. § 501 Copyright Infringement if in California state... View More

James R. Dickinson
James R. Dickinson
answered on Feb 21, 2024

Yes, a foreign firm can sue for copyright infringement on the YouTube platform in California. California has a large number of tech and entertainment companies, including YouTube, which makes it a common jurisdiction for copyright infringement lawsuits related to online content. [I litigate cases.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Intellectual Property and Trademark for Massachusetts on
Q: How does a company protect their unregistered mark (used in commerce) from another company filing with intent to use?

Company A has been using a mark in commerce for a year, but has yet to file for registration. Company B files for the mark (same name and class) with intent to use. It is pending, but has not been assigned an examiner yet. How should Company A protect their mark, and prove they have rightful... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 23, 2024

To protect their unregistered mark, Company A should gather evidence of their prior use of the mark in commerce. This evidence can include sales records, advertising materials, website screenshots, and any other documentation that demonstrates the mark's use in connection with their goods or... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for New Jersey on
Q: A university copied a course that I made and offering online to hundreds of students. How do I sue for copyright breach?

I am a university professor. I created a graduate course that I grew over time and it became very popular attracting 200+ students. I then had to take medical leave. After returning I have discovered that the university has made an online version of my course and are offering it to hundreds of... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

To sue the university for copyright infringement, you would need to gather evidence to support your claim. This includes documentation proving that you created the original course, such as lesson plans, syllabi, and other course materials. Additionally, you should collect any correspondence or... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for New Jersey on
Q: A university copied a course that I made and offering online to hundreds of students. How do I sue for copyright breach?

I am a university professor. I created a graduate course that I grew over time and it became very popular attracting 200+ students. I then had to take medical leave. After returning I have discovered that the university has made an online version of my course and are offering it to hundreds of... View More

Emmanuel Coffy
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answered on Feb 18, 2024

Suing for copyright infringement involves several steps and considerations, especially in the context of academic work and the agreements that might exist between faculty members and their institutions. Before proceeding, it's crucial to understand the specific circumstances of your case,... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Civil Litigation, Intellectual Property and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: A Demurrer was issued a tentative order 02:15:24 Can this order be CHANGE during hearings? In Less 24hrs 02:16:2

The court allows Plaintiff 20 days leave to amend.

(II) Fraud in the Inducement

Calendar No.:Event ID: TENTATIVE RULINGS3053197 7

Page: 1

CASE NUMBER:CASE TITLE: FOSTER VS GILDRED [IMAGED] 37-2023-00038663-CU-CO-CTL

(III) Fraud in the Inducement

(IV)... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

In California courts, a tentative ruling is the court's preliminary decision on a motion before the hearing. It's important to understand that this ruling is not final until the hearing is completed. During the hearing, the parties involved can argue against the tentative ruling, present... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Civil Litigation, Intellectual Property and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: A Demurrer was issued a tentative order 02:15:24 Can this order be CHANGE during hearings? In Less 24hrs 02:16:2

The court allows Plaintiff 20 days leave to amend.

(II) Fraud in the Inducement

Calendar No.:Event ID: TENTATIVE RULINGS3053197 7

Page: 1

CASE NUMBER:CASE TITLE: FOSTER VS GILDRED [IMAGED] 37-2023-00038663-CU-CO-CTL

(III) Fraud in the Inducement

(IV)... View More

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Feb 16, 2024

Some courts, for example San Diego, issue tentative rulings. The parties can either submit on the tentative or argue at the hearing. The tentative helps the parties to focus their arguments.

On Demurrer, often where the Court sustains, the Court will grant leave to amend.

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3 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Civil Litigation, Intellectual Property and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: A Demurrer was issued a tentative order 02:15:24 Can this order be CHANGE during hearings? In Less 24hrs 02:16:2

The court allows Plaintiff 20 days leave to amend.

(II) Fraud in the Inducement

Calendar No.:Event ID: TENTATIVE RULINGS3053197 7

Page: 1

CASE NUMBER:CASE TITLE: FOSTER VS GILDRED [IMAGED] 37-2023-00038663-CU-CO-CTL

(III) Fraud in the Inducement

(IV)... View More

Robert P. Cogan
Robert P. Cogan
answered on Feb 15, 2024

It seems that you are seeking legal advice for conduct of litigation. Legal advice is not properly provided outside of an attorney-client relationship. In order to answer the question, the context needs to be known. The question states, "Demurrer was issued a tentative order." That is not... View More

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