Get free answers to your Copyright legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I am considering selling a PDF version of my book on social media platforms like Facebook. I have not officially registered the copyright for my book nor do I have a business license. The book includes a basic copyright page. My plan is to sell it directly online, emailing the PDF version to buyers... View More 
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answered on Mar 7, 2025
You only need a business license to have a physical place of business in a given locale, or to go into customers' homes to perform a service. You don't need a business license to sell a book online. You also don't need to register a copyright in order to sell your book.
Your... View More
I understand AI generated art cannot be copyrighted, but a website allows users to generate art on their platform, but claims it cannot be used in certain circumstances. Can I reproduce those images in another medium without violating their terms and conditions
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answered on Dec 21, 2024
This is a really cool question. I won't paint you a definitive answer but I will sketch for you the lines of my initial impression.
AI "art" can't be copyright. → so making a derivative work won't infringe. → a transformative derivative work can be copyright... View More
I understand AI generated art cannot be copyrighted, but a website allows users to generate art on their platform, but claims it cannot be used in certain circumstances. Can I reproduce those images in another medium without violating their terms and conditions
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answered on Dec 21, 2024
… further note about T&Cs: these can establish rights in the website owner other than copyright, and if you violate the T&C then the website owner has to seek a remedy for breach of contract, which would require them to prove their damages from breach (rather than having the possibility... View More
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 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
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
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 accidentally violated copyright law by using Steven Markos's waterfall photo on my blog without permission. I received a demand letter from him stating that I need to pay $750, but it does not specify any legal consequences. I've since removed the photo and had no prior communication... View More
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answered on Mar 12, 2025
Receiving a demand letter doesn't automatically mean you're legally required to pay the amount requested. However, copyright law allows photographers, like Steven Markos, to seek damages for unauthorized use of their images. Even though you credited Steven, using his photo without... View More
They would be unrelated, other than that they both represent positive sayings/concepts.
answered on Jan 30, 2025
If the book title is not a series, (for example, Harry Potter) the title is not protected as a trademark. Therefore, a stand-along title may be available for the use by you as a trademark for a product or service mark for a service. An attorney would need the specific facts in order to give a... View More
I want to sell merchandise using my own artwork of his likeness. I will not be copying, tracing, or otherwise recreating any copyrighted pictures of him. I am aware that he has told multiple republican groups to not sell merchandise of him, even with positive messages, to fundraise. My merchandise... View More
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answered on Jan 27, 2025
Selling merchandise featuring your original artwork of Donald Trump can be complex due to intellectual property, publicity rights, and potential trademark issues. While you aren’t copying copyrighted images, Trump, like many public figures, has the right to control the commercial use of his... View More
Do i have a the right to sue them for all the years theyve told me they will only go back 3 yrs.andwant me to sign a document.
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answered on Jan 1, 2025
You might consider reviewing the tax documents carefully to see how your property tax rate was calculated. If it was improperly labeled as personal income, there could be grounds to challenge the back taxes. You may have a legal argument to recoup funds paid under an incorrect tax classification.... View More
my address is on the subpoena, but not my real name, just "John Doe" and my real IP Address. the Docket number that is on the subpoena does not come up online anywhere i have searched.
answered on Dec 18, 2024
Not sure what you are looking at, but any real subpoena will have an attorney's name or office to contact, as well as the issuing court.
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answered on Oct 16, 2024
Discord holds numerous patents related to its messaging and communication features. Creating a similar platform without infringing on these patents could be challenging. You would need to carefully analyze Discord’s patented technologies to ensure your platform does not use the same methods or... View More
This is for a podcast with no sponsors and we make no money from it
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answered on Jul 18, 2024
Using 20-second excerpts from a Swedish musical artist in your podcast can be a tricky area due to copyright laws. Even though your podcast is non-commercial and doesn't generate revenue, you still need to obtain permission from the copyright holder to legally use the music. Without... 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
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