Get free answers to your Copyright legal questions from lawyers in your area.
If I sold t-shirts with the words "SAD DAD CLUB" or "SAD DADS CLUB" printed on them but the words "SAD DAD" are trademarked for use on t-shirts, could I be reported for copyright?
answered on Nov 21, 2024
You are asking for a complicated legal opinion, which most attorneys will not provide unless you are a client. If you would like a detailed answer to your question, please hire a competent trademark attorney.
The test for trademark infringement is "likelihood of confusion."... View More 
Is it legal to tell my readers to listen to specific songs at certain times in my motion-comic? For example, having a notice at the start of the comic telling readers that the comic is read best with certain songs to accompany it, and saying "Now Playing: *Song Name*" at the top of my... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 7, 2024
I would want to think more about this before giving an opinion you could rely upon. First thought is that this seems like it MIGHT be a viable way to escape the need for a "sync license" as you would not personally be synchronizing the music to the images. But there may be court cases... View More
I'm making home decor type gifts customizable, a customer can request the item to play their favorite celebrity song or tune. I Want to know if I can legally do this and if I can have item play either full song, partial song, just chorus, or instrumental
answered on Sep 9, 2024
Your idea of creating customizable home décor that plays celebrity songs is a unique and creative venture. However, using copyrighted music in products raises several legal concerns, and it’s essential to ensure you're compliant with intellectual property laws.
Here are a few key... View More
I have developed a solution to integrate Blood Collection , distribution and stakeholders. I would like to patent this solution so that I can seek for investments to build a complete product.
Regards
answered on Aug 19, 2024
Filing a patent for your prototype solution involves several steps. Here’s a general overview of the process:
1. Determine the Type of Patent
Utility Patent: Protects the functional aspects of your invention.
Design Patent: Protects the ornamental design of your invention.... View More
I had plans of creating a prototype of an idea. Due to a health issue, I unfortunately have limited time in terms of life. I want to be able to carry out this invention but am afraid that once I leave, the people I share this idea with, will say this idea was thought of by them when that is clearly... View More
answered on Aug 5, 2024
I'm sorry to hear about your health situation, and I understand your concerns about protecting your invention. It's commendable that you want to secure your intellectual property and ensure your ideas are recognized as your own.
To address your question: yes, it is possible to... View More
There is a tourist attraction in town called "Bicycle Hill" - we'd like to make t-shirts promoting it that say, "I found my thrill on Bicycle Hill," which is a parody of the old 1940 song title "I found my thrill on Blueberry Hill." Many people have recorded it,... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 24, 2024
Creating a t-shirt with the phrase "I found my thrill on Bicycle Hill," which is a play on the famous song "I Found My Thrill on Blueberry Hill," might fall under parody, which can be considered fair use under copyright law. However, fair use is a complex area and depends on... View More
There is a tourist attraction in town called "Bicycle Hill" - we'd like to make t-shirts promoting it that say, "I found my thrill on Bicycle Hill," which is a parody of the old 1940 song title "I found my thrill on Blueberry Hill." Many people have recorded it,... View More
answered on Jul 25, 2024
Based on the information provided and the context of your query, creating t-shirts with the phrase "I found my thrill on Bicycle Hill" as a parody of the song "I Found My Thrill on Blueberry Hill" is likely to be considered fair use and not copyright infringement. Here's... View More
answered on Jul 18, 2024
The concept of "personal use" in copyright law is complex and varies by jurisdiction. In some countries, there's a distinction between making a single copy for personal use and creating multiple items, even if they're not for sale.
In the U.S., the "Fair Use... View More
answered on Jul 25, 2024
If you want to print personal wear (e.g., T-shirts) featuring Evangelion characters and logos for personal use, here are the key legal considerations:
Copyright and Trademark Issues
Copyright:
Evangelion characters and logos are protected by copyright. This means that any... View More
Is this illegal to shut someone’s listing down when you really don’t hold the approved IP yet? And what are my options.
Thanks.
answered on Jul 9, 2024
Normally, online marketplaces like Amazon and Etsy require merchants selling items on their platforms to prove they own or have a license to use IP when a complaint is made. People and companies legitimately selling products in online marketplaces can usually provide proof of ownership or... View More
Is this illegal to shut someone’s listing down when you really don’t hold the approved IP yet? And what are my options.
Thanks.
answered on Jul 25, 2024
Based on the information provided, here's an analysis of your situation:
Trademark Application Status:
Having only an application for a trademark, without approval, does not grant full trademark rights. The applicant does not have enforceable trademark rights until the mark is... View More
This phrase would be on my website, purely for fun and signifying a linked button that would advance them to another page. I am wondering if this would be considered copyrighting or trademark against LucasFilms?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 31, 2024
Using the phrase "This Is The Way" on your website to signify going to the next page could potentially raise concerns with Lucasfilm, as the phrase is strongly associated with their "The Mandalorian" series. While it might seem like a fun and harmless addition, it is important... View More
Can I be sued for this.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 18, 2024
The legality of using clips from other creators in your memes without their permission depends on the specific circumstances and whether your use falls under "fair use." Fair use is a legal doctrine that allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the rights holders... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 10, 2024
Attempting to hide or protect assets when facing debts or legal judgments could be considered fraudulent in many cases. The ethical and legal course of action is to pay valid debts that are owed.
If you are facing financial hardship, I would suggest speaking with a certified credit... View More
After his death 10 years later in 1957, the diary is discovered in his home. It was not mentioned in his will, nor had he assigned the rights to the work to anyone. Is the diary under copyright protection in 2024? Thanks!
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 22, 2024
The copyright status of works like diaries can be complex, particularly when they are unpublished and the author has passed away. In general, for works created but not published or registered before 1978, copyright typically lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years. Since the diary was... View More
For two years I worked at a dog training company. During this time I took photos and videos of the dogs and training for my personal social media, the companies, and for owner updates. When a past employee left the company she was told she wasn’t allowed to keep the images posted to her social... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 2, 2024
When you create content such as photos and videos while working for a company, the ownership of that content often depends on the terms of your employment and any agreements you might have signed. In the absence of a specific contract regarding media rights, the situation can become complex.... View More
I have written a book and hired an illustrator to create artwork for each chapter. The book is very tongue-in-cheek, and the illustrations are whimsical. One of the chapters is about group resources, such as support groups. There is a movie that has a support group scene, and I was hoping to... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 21, 2024
Including characters from a movie or a room from a reality show in your illustrations could potentially infringe on copyright or intellectual property rights, depending on the specific circumstances. While your illustrations may be whimsical and cartoony, if the characters or settings are... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 21, 2024
It sounds like you're dealing with a challenging situation with Big Games LLC. When a company issues a false DMCA notice against you, it can indeed be frustrating and concerning. However, it's positive that you took action by issuing a counter notice through Bespoke Plush LLC. This step... View More
It is a cool idea, I am really interested in selling my idea of a product but I don't know if I would get in legal trouble with SEGA, the owners of sonic the hedgehog
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 28, 2024
When considering selling a product that involves a character like Sonic the Hedgehog, it's important to be aware of intellectual property rights. Sonic is a trademarked character owned by SEGA, and using it without permission could lead to legal issues.
Before proceeding, you should... View More
Can we use the words "Mickey Mouse"?
Can he have different clothes on my drawings?
What exactly are the limitations?
answered on Jan 12, 2024
Honestly, this is work. This falls under the category of business. You can still find highly rated and experienced attorneys who do entertainment law here on Justia. Look for attorneys in smaller areas, still Metropolitan areas, where the cost of living is not so high. You get more for your... View More
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
