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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Entertainment / Sports and Intellectual Property for New Jersey on
Q: Can u parody oompa loompa song for an ad on a new product that has nothing to do with the song. Title rhymes w product.
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 5, 2024

Parodying a song for commercial purposes requires careful navigation of copyright and trademark laws, even when the intent is to create a humorous or satirical advertisement. When you consider using a melody or lyrics similar to the "Oompa Loompa" song from "Charlie and the Chocolate... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for New Jersey on
Q: Way to sue roommate for causing me mental trauma and trying to discourage me to find a replacement

I have been dealing with a cunning roommate. Since last 1 year, he had been making noise and partying once or twice a week ruining my sleep. When i confronted him, he blamed me equally for keeping silent for so long. I couldn't really stay peacefully once I confronted him.

I decided... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 5, 2024

Suing a roommate for mental trauma and actions that discouraged potential replacements for your tenancy can be complex and challenging. In legal terms, to pursue a lawsuit for emotional distress, you would need to demonstrate that the roommate's actions were intentional or reckless, caused you... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for New Jersey on
Q: Can I make a parody of the oompaa loompa song without licensing?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 4, 2024

Creating a parody of a copyrighted work, including songs like the Oompa Loompa song from "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory," falls under a specific category of use that can be considered fair use under copyright law. Fair use allows for the use of copyrighted material without... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for New Jersey on
Q: Can I make a parody of the oompaa loompa song without licensing?
Emmanuel Coffy
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answered on Mar 5, 2024

Yes, creating a parody of the "Oompa Loompa" song from "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" may not require licensing under U.S. copyright law, thanks to the doctrine of fair use. Fair use allows for the use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for New Jersey on
Q: Can I move out of the house with my kids before a divorce or agreement? Or would it be abandonment I live in NJ

Married 8 yrs living together 16. 2 kids 9 & 11 yrs old. The house is only under my husbands name but was bought right after my youngest son was born but before we got married, he doesn’t work(hasn’t for a few yrs) I pay the mortgage (I give him the money cash) and also pay bills thru my... View More

Allison Kruk Ormond
Allison Kruk Ormond
answered on Mar 12, 2024

Abandonment or desertion is a fault-based ground for divorce in New Jersey. It is defined by statute (N.J.S.A. 2A:34-2) as "willful and continued desertion" for a term of 12 months or longer. One way to establish abandonment as a fault-based ground for divorce is by providing proof that... View More

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Q: Can Code Enforcement enter the backyard of my property?

I am a tenant in a rental house. Recently we have had a Code Enforcement Officer enter our backyard and issue us a warning for trash and debris on our property. We did not allow anyone to enter our backyard from the Borough nor did our Landlord permit them as his Agent and notify us. Is this... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 4, 2024

The question of whether Code Enforcement can enter your backyard without permission largely depends on local laws and regulations. Typically, code enforcement officers are allowed to inspect properties for violations of local ordinances, which can include issues visible from public spaces. However,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for New Jersey on
Q: single mother renting a home in NJ and I am the only one on my lease, what is the process to have my adult son removed?

He has been living with me since June 2022 but has an alchohol and crack cocaine addiction. He refuses to get help and refuses to leave when requested. He pays no rent and is not listed on my lease. He is no longer welcome in my home. Can I just change the locks and refuse him entry or am I... View More

Matthew Schutz
Matthew Schutz
answered on Mar 3, 2024

First let me say sorry to hear about the difficulties you're having with your son.

From what you say in your question, you could probably file for an ejectment to remove your son. He is over 18, doesn't pay rent to you, doesn't make any contribution to the household expenses....
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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for New Jersey on
Q: Can i open an LLC along with my full time job (40 hrs) on F1 Stem OPT?

I am currently on F1 STEM OPT expiring in 2026. I have a full time job with an employer who pays me good. I want to start a business (open an LLC) and continue working for my employer along with the LLC work. Is this possible?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 3, 2024

While on F1 STEM OPT, your primary focus should be on gaining practical experience in your field of study through employment that is directly related to your major area of study. The regulations surrounding the F1 visa and STEM OPT specifically allow you to work for an employer who is E-Verify... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Gov & Administrative Law, Health Care Law and Municipal Law for New Jersey on
Q: I'm in need of a notice of tort claim against an officer (law enforcement) in NJ. Where do you obtain the right form?

Owed me a duty, broke into my locked room with body-worn cameras when I had no medical condition.

Just called dispatcher for noise complaint

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 2, 2024

In New Jersey, to file a notice of tort claim against a law enforcement officer, you will need to use a specific form that complies with the New Jersey Tort Claims Act. This form serves as a preliminary step to formally notify the relevant government entity of your intention to sue. The Notice of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for New Jersey on
Q: Have you ever been refused a U.S Visa, or been refused admission to the United States or withdrawn your application for?

So I and my spouse are first cousins and he is in the US on F1 visa. I got my F2 rejected last year due to this cousin marriage reason as told by the visa officer during my visa interview in the embassy. Now he has moved to another state in US where cousin marriage is not illegal by state law. My... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 2, 2024

When filling out your DS-160 form, honesty and accuracy are paramount. In response to the question regarding prior visa refusal, you should select "Yes," as you have previously experienced a rejection. This is crucial because the U.S. immigration authorities value transparency and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Education Law and Tax Law for New Jersey on
Q: I am the owner of a private school in NJ. I am considering changing its filing status from an LLC to a 501c3 nonprofit.

Is this possible in NJ? And if so, what are the initial steps that I should be considering?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 1, 2024

Here are the key things to consider when changing a private school in New Jersey from an LLC to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit:

- It is possible to make this change in NJ. You would need to dissolve the LLC and then incorporate as a new nonprofit entity.

- To qualify as a 501(c)(3), the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Communications Law for New Jersey on
Q: Somebody clips a conversation online, edits it to only part of the conversation distributing it how canrequirethemtostop

Somebody takes a recording of somebody saying something online and starts distributing an edited version with no context, how am I able to get them to stop?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 28, 2024

Here are a few options to try to get them to stop distributing the edited clip:

1. Send a cease and desist letter: Have a lawyer draft and send a letter demanding that they immediately stop the unauthorized use and distribution of the edited clip, which could potentially constitute...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Tax Law, Municipal Law and Real Estate Law for New Jersey on
Q: How do property taxes work on unregistered houses on one piece of land in Puerto Rico through inheritance?

My grandfather has past away leaving my grandmother as sole owner of the land with the main house being registered and current with property taxes. There are three siblings my mother, a middle brother (who sadly also past), and a younger brother. The younger brother convinced my grandfather when he... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 28, 2024

In Puerto Rico, property taxes are assessed by the Municipal Revenue Collections Center (CRIM). When a house on a piece of land isn't registered with CRIM, it can indeed lead to complications, including the potential for back taxes once the property is properly reported. Given that your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Tax Law for New Jersey on
Q: The IRS sent me a letter stating I didn't report income from a 1099c. Upon my investigation on the matter I found out

The 1099c was sent to an old Address from 13 years ago and in my maiden name. How can I be penalized for information I never recieved?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 28, 2024

When you receive a letter from the IRS stating that you didn't report income from a 1099-C, it's important to address the issue promptly, even if the information was sent to an outdated address and in a name you no longer use. The IRS assesses taxes based on income information reported to... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for New Jersey on
Q: Is it lawful for the state of New Jersey to sentence a youthful offender under the age of 20 to a longer sentence than a

A 17-year-old juvenile, when there is neuroscience that shows similarities in their mental capacities?

Amber Forrester
Amber Forrester
answered on Feb 28, 2024

While the most up-to-date developmental psychology studies tell us that the prefrontal cortex--the part of the brain that comprehends complex issues like the consequences of our actions--isn't fully developed until we're about 26, the law in New Jersey (as well as federal law) has not... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for New Jersey on
Q: Is it lawful for the state of New Jersey to sentence a youthful offender under the age of 20 to a longer sentence than a

A 17-year-old juvenile, when there is neuroscience that shows similarities in their mental capacities?

Louis A Casadia
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answered on Feb 28, 2024

Yes, in New Jersey once you are 18 years of age you are considered an adult and subject to adult penalties. Now their is a mitigating factor a sentencing Judge must consider for offenders under the age of 26 but this does not bring the sentencing range back down to what it would be for a juvenile... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Domestic Violence and Family Law for New Jersey on
Q: If I do not agree with the Judge's decision in my divorce trial, can I file an appeal or sue my ex-husband?

This is a domestic violence case with extensive misuse of marital funds and loss.

Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on Feb 28, 2024

If the trial is over and the court has ruled on all issues outstanding and has issued a decision ( from the bench or in writing), you have the right to seek an appeal of his rulings to the appellate division. There is a specific time frame for the filing of an appeal, specific documents that must... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Civil Litigation for New Jersey on
Q: I'm in NJ and am main buyer on a vehicle contract with an ex. I sued him in special civil court and won. However

Im trying to get off the loan entirely or gain possession of the car. The lender did an extension agreement with the cosigner without my knowledge or signature electronically. Is this legal in NJ? Co-signer's name is on the title however I can add mine on to it at any time. What is the best... View More

Leonard R. Boyer
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answered on Feb 26, 2024

You need to retain an experienced civil litigation attorney to represent your interests in this matter. You should expect to pay for a 1/2 hour of attorney time to have your best course of action determined. Pick the best attorney you can find and remember one rule: a good attorney is generally... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Employment Law for New Jersey on
Q: I filed a discrimination claim against a company and they destroyed video evidence what can I do?

I was suspended after a coworker who was harassing me claimed I threatened him. During my suspension a manager who witnessed 5 employees sign witness statements told me over the phone that 3 of the witness statements corroborated my story while 2 corroborated the harasser's story. I was... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 26, 2024

If you discover that video evidence relevant to your discrimination claim has been destroyed by the company, it's crucial to take immediate action. First, document any communication or evidence that suggests the company had the video and intentionally destroyed it. This includes any emails,... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for New Jersey on
Q: What choices do I have coming here on a visiting visa in 2022 to claim a green card or some form of residency ?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 26, 2024

If you arrived in the U.S. on a visiting visa in 2022 and are exploring ways to obtain a green card or some form of residency, there are several paths you might consider, though each comes with its own set of requirements and limitations. It's important to evaluate these options carefully to... View More

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