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Ohio Intellectual Property Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Patents (Intellectual Property) and Intellectual Property for Ohio on
Q: How do you find if a patent was aquired or sold

HL Stud inc

Kevin E. Flynn
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Kevin E. Flynn
answered on Dec 28, 2023

When a United States patent is sold, the acquiring party usually notes the change of ownership in the USPTO records. You can check these records and see the chain of title for the patent running from the inventors to the current owner at... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Ohio on
Q: We have applied for a trademark in May of 2023. Is there a way to keep others on amazon and their sellers from using it

We do not and have never sold on Amazon. We now have people coming to us complaining about our "Pinch Perfect" crafting products not living up to expectations that they purchased on Amazon. There are currently 4 pages of listings using our brand in their listings and Amazon even has a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 15, 2023

In your situation with the unauthorized use of your "Pinch Perfect" brand on Amazon, it's important to take proactive steps to protect your trademark, even though it is still in the registration process. Since you've already applied for the trademark, you have some legal grounds... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Ohio on
Q: Can I use a fraternity hoodie in a pornographic film that I sell for profit?

filming would take place in Illinois

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 16, 2024

Using a fraternity hoodie in a pornographic film that you intend to sell for profit involves several legal considerations. Fraternity hoodies often feature logos, symbols, or designs that are protected by copyright or trademark laws. Unauthorized use of these elements can lead to infringement... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Identity Theft, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Ohio on
Q: Can I use an AI created cartoon image of Donald Trump and Sean Hannity on an album cover?

I would use the Wonder app.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 25, 2024

Using a cartoon image of public figures like Donald Trump and Sean Hannity for commercial purposes, such as an album cover, can raise legal concerns. Even though public figures have less protection under right of publicity laws, you might still face legal risks, especially if the images suggest... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Ohio on
Q: How can I protect printables/digital products from being stolen?

I am looking into selling printable products online, but I am concerned that my designs/quotes may be taken and sold by others. Is there a way I can get my designs and quotes copyright protected in the name of my LLC?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 2, 2024

To protect your printable and digital products from being stolen, you can take several steps. First, ensure you register your designs and quotes with the U.S. Copyright Office. This provides you with legal protection and the ability to enforce your rights if someone copies your work without... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Intellectual Property for Ohio on
Q: Looking to contact these inventors about their patents and paying royalties but continue hitting brick walls
David Aldrich
David Aldrich
answered on Jan 5, 2024

It's not clear from your question which inventors/patents you are referring to, but it is possible you are not receiving a response because they may not have any rights. Rights need to be licensed from the owner, and often, the owner is different than the inventor(s). If you haven't... View More

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Q: Google Disney CB government dark net Freedom act from 1988 I have a government agency infringement in music and art

Some desperado name carried requested I got Freedom act paper mailed to me and a ticket number for Sony music on my email address please I have victims of a lot of problems from Disney music private program

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 12, 2023

It sounds like you're dealing with a complex situation involving potential government agency infringement in the realms of music and art, possibly related to copyright or intellectual property issues. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) of 1988 allows for the request of federal agency... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Ohio on
Q: my last name is good. can i legally open a burger restaurant in ohio named goodburger or good burger (movie name)

can i legally name my restaurant good burger or goodburger despite the nickelodeon movies?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 8, 2023

Using the name "Good Burger" or "Goodburger" for your restaurant, especially given its association with the Nickelodeon movie, could raise trademark concerns. Trademarks protect names and logos used in commerce to identify the source of goods and services. If consumers might... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Energy, Oil and Gas, Intellectual Property and Patents (Intellectual Property) for Ohio on
Q: I invented and patented (US 8391552) an invaluble technology for petrochemical industry

So in 2018, the Trump Admin attacked me in a federal lab in Pittsburgh. I had to flee. Then my house was raided by a SWAT team. I fled into hiding in Amish country Ohio. Then the Trump Admin disguised my patented technology as a non-patented technology and gave it to Saudi Aramco and the... View More

Peter D. Mlynek
Peter D. Mlynek
answered on Sep 25, 2023

I am sorry to hear about your tribulations, but regarding the patent: you do not own the patent. You assigned your rights to the invention to the Deparment of Energy in December 2012, after the patent application was filed but before the patent issued.

It is not your patent, and the DoE...
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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Ohio on
Q: When a photo is taken on private property with permission of the property owner who owns the image?

I take images at motorsports venues and want to clarify who is the owner of the photo. The photographer, the property owner of both?

Thank you.

Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
answered on Aug 21, 2023

The photographer is owner of the copyright in the photo, unless he has been hired to do it, in which case the employer owns the copyright as a work-for-hire.

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1 Answer | Asked in Intellectual Property for Ohio on
Q: This is an intellectual property dispute.

This is an intellectual property dispute. I was communicating with a business about providing them with physical items using their logo. They told me they weren't interested, but then began offering the same item for sale. They had previously never expressed interest in selling physical items.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 18, 2023

If you believe that a business has taken your idea and is using it without your permission, you may have a claim for intellectual property infringement. In this case, it is recommended that you consult with an attorney who specializes in intellectual property law to determine the best approach for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Ohio on
Q: I am making a children book. For that, I use AI to help me make the pictures. Who has the copyright to pictures from AI?

I provide my own prompts to make the pictures of AI. I also plan to edit them a little so they exactly look the way I want them. at least some of them. Does it make a difference if I change something on them?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 18, 2023

The question of who owns the copyright to pictures created by AI is a complex and evolving area of law. In general, copyright law grants ownership of creative works to the human author or creator of the work. However, in the case of AI-generated works, the question of authorship and ownership can... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Ohio on
Q: Trademark Question: Same name, different services provided, different logo design, am I allowed to use that name?

Based in Ohio, I wanted to use a "NAME" for my architectural services business. There is an active mark with the same "NAME" registered to someone in California providing Electrical messaging services. Am I allowed to use that "NAME" for my business, and/or file that... View More

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on May 19, 2023

Trademark issues and analyzing the potential risk of an infringement lawsuit are too fact-specific to generalize. You could apply to the US Patent and Trademark Office to register your name for a determination if you can register it. But if you do that, the registrant in CA could learn of your... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Intellectual Property and Trademark for Ohio on
Q: I looked up the phrase "Empowered women empower women" to see if it is copyrighted. It is trademarked, what's that mean?

What is the difference between the two. If I use the phrase on a product, will I be in danger of a lawsuit?

Eugene Vamos
Eugene Vamos
answered on May 3, 2023

The danger of trademark infringement depends on the type of good/service you are going to use the phrase in as a trademark. You will have to examine the prior trademark registration to see what goods/service categories the registration encompasses and then compare it to your use. If the... View More

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5 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Ohio on
Q: I did a TESS search for a trademark filing. Found one live match but their word mark is longer than my name. Is that ok?

My business name is The Business Clinic and the only live trademark I could find is listed as "THE BUSINESS + CLINIC RX FOR SUCCESS". There have been other "The Business Clinic" filings but all are now shown as Dead. Before I do the filing, however, I'd appreciate knowing... View More

Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
answered on Apr 10, 2023

The active registration for THE BUSINESS + CLINIC RX FOR SUCCESS (stylized) would probably preclude the proposed registration for THE BUSINESS CLINIC as confusingly similar.

But even if that registration was not active, it is likely that THE BUSINESS CLINIC would be refused as "merely...
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2 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Ohio on
Q: Can I trademark a business name if a similar business exists already, but they did not trademark the name?

My business name is very similar to that of another business in a different state. We both provide the same type of services. Being in different states there's no problem, but at the end of 2023 the government is supposed to open up cross-State Licensing. I have no intention of performing... View More

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Mar 17, 2023

As the prior user, the other business could take action to terminate your use, even without a trademark registration. Registration is not required to obtain legal rights in a mark and the ability to terminate infringing uses. Use the Find a Lawyer tab to retain a local intellectual property... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Ohio on
Q: There’s a company named “TenBack Bowling Outfitters” or “Tenback pro shop” is it possible to just use the name “Ten Back
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 10, 2023

It depends on several factors, including whether the company has trademarked the name "Ten Back" or a similar name. If the company has a trademark on the name or a similar name, then using it without permission could be considered trademark infringement. It's also important to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Patents (Intellectual Property) for Ohio on
Q: When is it safe to remake and market old patents and copyrights and what are some things to be aware of?
Peter D. Mlynek
Peter D. Mlynek
answered on Jan 31, 2023

When the term of the patent or the copyright expires.

The idea of a patent is a contract between an inventor and the public, as represented by the government. The inventor discloses the invention, which is valuable to the public, to the society, and gets something in return. The inventor...
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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Ohio on
Q: I'm starting a video podcast. Can I use still images from various tv and movies?

When we mention a character, we'd like to be able to show that character without getting sued by Disney. And this podcast will be for profit, if that's relevant.

Steve Charles Vondran
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answered on Jan 12, 2023

Generally speaking, when it comes to using copyrighted images in a video podcast, it’s important to understand the laws surrounding copyright and fair use. In general, it is illegal to use copyrighted images without permission. However, there are certain exceptions to this rule, and one of them... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Ohio on
Q: Hello, can i ask a question here? am I speaking with a real lawyer?

Okay. I'll explain what i need some advice about - it pertains to copyright. This will all sound a bit odd, so i apologize.

Im a writer. Im writing a fantasy prose story - something with a diesel-punk aesthetic. I'm using publicly free domain fantasy races - goblins, elves,... View More

Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
answered on Oct 27, 2022

Yes, real lawyer here.

Although the copyrights for the DnD games and fiction are owned by Wizards of the Coast LLC, that does mean that the word "Artificer" by itself is the subject of copyright. "Artificer" is just a word in the dictionary and its use in original works...
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