Get free answers to your Copyright legal questions from lawyers in your area.
answered on Mar 4, 2024
Using a section of a song in your student film, even with the lyrics removed and dubbed over, can be complex when considering fair use provisions. Fair use is determined by factors such as the purpose and character of your use, the nature of the copyrighted work, the amount and substantiality of... View More
Can I make and sell macrame products learn from media and macrame books to sell? If there are patented designs, how do I check to avoid using it for business?
answered on Oct 15, 2023
Macramé, as an ancient form of textile craft, has countless designs and patterns that have been practiced for centuries. Many basic macramé designs are likely not patented due to their age and widespread use. However, specific modern designs or innovative techniques might be protected, not... View More
I'm looking to trademark my adult video game under my LLC. Seeking advice from experienced professionals in both areas. Serious responses only please. I'm interested in a long term situation. I've already filed one, but due to a name change, I might need to file again as my previous... View More
answered on Aug 29, 2023
If you've undergone a name change for your adult video game, you'll likely need to file a new trademark application, as significant amendments to the mark itself are generally not permitted under existing applications. Given the specific industry you're in, make sure the trademark... View More
I'm looking to trademark my adult video game under my LLC. Seeking advice from experienced professionals in both areas. Serious responses only please. I'm interested in a long term situation. I've already filed one, but due to a name change, I might need to file again as my previous... View More
answered on Aug 23, 2023
The proposed mark should be carefully researched to assure that it is not confusingly similar to any other mark already used in gaming, then an intent-to-use application should promptly be filed before the game is actively marketed. It may also be wise to include a graphic element to a text-only... View More
I’d like to start a car-themed coffee company which would include images, logos, and names of car manufacturers. Would I need the permissions of the companies first?
answered on Mar 29, 2023
Using the images, logos, and names of car manufacturers in a car-themed coffee company without their permission could potentially be a trademark infringement. It is advisable to seek legal advice or contact the car manufacturers to obtain their permission before using their trademarks or... View More
It is an homage to adult swim, but I paid for the font and don't use actual adult swim imagery. Am I at risk of a lawsuit or takedown of my channel if I continue to use this font?
answered on Aug 31, 2024
Using the same font and brackets as Adult Swim for your Twitch logo, even if you purchased the font, could still pose legal risks. While paying for the font is a positive step, it doesn't grant you the right to imitate a distinctive style that is closely associated with another brand,... View More
I am currently drafting a counter-response to a copyright infringement notice about a torrented file and must write "Your statement made under penalty of perjury that you have a good faith belief that the material was removed or disabled as a result of mistake or misidentification of the... View More
My production company paid for and filmed a documentary that was then posted on our website and youtube page. Another company has produced their own documentary and has used portions of mine (audio and visual) without permission and are now claiming they are protected under fair use (news... View More
answered on Nov 23, 2021
Maybe, depends.
Depends on the amount of material they are taking.
You should consult with an attorney.
I am looking at printing some political shirts for my business in the coming years. I am wondering what the rules are for using political slogans on products that are intended for sale? Thanks
answered on Sep 24, 2021
There are slogans, and there are slogans.
Even if the First Amendment protects free speech (slogans do fall under that), their purpose, content and meaning may be falling outside of the First Amendment protection if the slogan calls for violence, incites riots, unrests, or promotes open... View More
And does the fact that they are band is based in another country change things
answered on May 29, 2021
If you do not have a license to put the band there, yes you could be sued.
i had uploaded a video on youtube of beatsaber, in it there was copyrighted music, i got a claim from the music owners, i took the video down and deleted it, what can i do in the future to avoid copyright claims if there is copyrighted music in the game
answered on May 12, 2021
Check with the music owner and see if they have distribution agreements.
You may be able to get some simple licensing to allow to do what you want.
Consult with an attorney for a better analysis.
answered on Apr 12, 2021
You may be in luck.
Check NASA terms of service and if NASA is the ultimate owner of the images.
In general, check NASA terms, most of the content from federal government agencies is freely available to the public.
Consult with an attorney.
I have a Motion for Reconsideration pending with respect to a Judge’s order. Does that pending motion ‘stay’ the current order?
I am writing a book on Native American battlefields in the Midwest. Some of my source books have statements such as “No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise,... View More
answered on Oct 18, 2020
It may be "fair use". However, certainty of not having a conflict can be. by getting permission.
I dragged pictures from their website and I Pasted on tineye and nothing came up but on google images the company comes up
answered on May 7, 2020
Just because you are selling their product does not necessarily give you the right to use any of their materials. If you have an agreement with them about the resales, check it to see if this subject is covered. Also, check the Terms of Use provisions on their website. Likely they cover use of... View More
I'm the host of a paranormal radio show and I use a promotional poster to announce my guests each week. During a recent show, a woman from MA messaged me saying I was infringing on her trademark because the slogan for my radio show was similar to what she uses for her website and apparel,... View More
answered on Mar 22, 2020
She may have a trademark in that phrase, which is completely different than copyright. Your best best is to look up the phrase in the USPTO directory to see if it’s actually a registered mark.
For purposes of a trademark, there wo d be no difference of your use her use of “we are” vs... View More
answered on Feb 28, 2020
Do a thorough check but many things from the 1920s and before are now in public domain.
BUT BE CAREFUL.
The actual words and postings from the newspaper may be public domain. IF YOU take them from a recent source, like a book, website, etc. THERE MAY BE a copyright covering the... View More
The pictures would be taken by customers of their own cars and would likely have the vehicle logo visible, and below the picture there would perhaps be a name for the vehicle they choose or a phrase of their picking...
Thank You!
answered on Dec 30, 2019
Be careful on this
if it is on request of the owner of the car, and it is limited, you may be ok
you should definitely consult with an attorney before jumping in
Protect my rights.
answered on Jul 22, 2019
A US patent is valid only in the US. You can use a PCT application, if you are still within the time limits, to file in other PCT countries. That requires a new application.
answered on Jul 8, 2019
We do not have an option for an international patent. (Yes, I know many people write that they have an international patent, but they are wrong). We have a type of patent application that is the front end for many patent system. This is called a Patent Cooperation Treaty Application (PCT... View More
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