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Ohio Intellectual Property Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Ohio on
Q: friend came up with a slogan for a shirt, I created the design for it. I want to use it as my company name. Do I owe him

Now he did not pay me or even ask me to make it I just did it based off our conversation. After I made the design I tried to sell it to him but he didn't want it. A few months later I wanted to create a design company using that slogan as the name. I want to use the design as my logo. Would I... View More

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Jun 5, 2017

A slogan is usually too short for copyright protection, so must be protected as a trademark or service mark. That either requires registration with the state or being used in commerce. If he has not registered it or used it in business, then he probably could not succeed on a claim against you.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Patents (Intellectual Property) for Ohio on
Q: If my idea of invention is already patented by another individual yet not invented, what are my options? Thank You!

I recently discovered that my idea of invention had already been patented by another individual 5 years ago. However, the product is not available to this day and I passionately wish to bring this invention to life. What are my options?

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Dec 27, 2016

You can contact the patent owner and negotiate a license from the patent owner to produce the product or purchase the patent rights. Consult a local patent attorney.

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1 Answer | Asked in Intellectual Property for Ohio on
Q: As a marketing intern at a brewery, after I left they're using my logo on EVERYTHING. Should I be asking them to pay me?

-I specifically told them that my logo was temporary until they hired a design agency.

-Now are using my logo on their building, beer, shirts, stickers, etc.

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Feb 22, 2016

Did you have a written contract with them for the internship? Did you design the logo during your internship? At work? Etc. It is fairly standard practice for companies to insert language in contracts which grants the company, not the individual, the rights to things the individual designs on the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Intellectual Property for Ohio on
Q: Is this considered fair use of a trademarked logo?

I would like to add a section on my website that says "As mentioned in..." (or something to that extent), and show the logos of the companies that mentioned my business. My company has been mentioned by some higher-profile organizations, and I'd like to 'flaunt' it a bit... View More

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Aug 3, 2015

Generally, this sort of thing is not a problem.Trademark laws are primarily concerned with situations where confusion concerning whose product is being purchased could result, i.e., where a customer could be mislead believing your product is the same or is backed by a more established company. It... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Intellectual Property for Ohio on
Q: Time warner sent me a letter saying they where going to give my name and address to the court for downloading .

What would be my next move.Should I try to fight it ? should I just wait.

Nathan Roach
Nathan Roach
answered on Apr 15, 2011

Unfortunately, these kind of cases are increasingly common. Depending on your situation, the EFF may be able to recommend a lawyer near you.

https://www.eff.org/pages/legal-assistance

Often times, the subpoena notice from your ISP will give you an opportunity to contest the release...
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