Get free answers to your Copyright legal questions from lawyers in your area.
![Mr. Robert Z. Cashman Mr. Robert Z. Cashman](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1318647-1490241356-sl.jpg)
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
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.
![John Michael Frick John Michael Frick](http://justatic.com/profile-images/320846-1661293018-sl.jpeg)
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
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?
![James L. Arrasmith James L. Arrasmith](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1668636-1701034960-sl.png)
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.
![James L. Arrasmith James L. Arrasmith](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1668636-1701034960-sl.png)
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
![James L. Arrasmith James L. Arrasmith](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1668636-1701034960-sl.png)
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!
![James L. Arrasmith James L. Arrasmith](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1668636-1701034960-sl.png)
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
![James L. Arrasmith James L. Arrasmith](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1668636-1701034960-sl.png)
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
![James L. Arrasmith James L. Arrasmith](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1668636-1701034960-sl.png)
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
![James L. Arrasmith James L. Arrasmith](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1668636-1701034960-sl.png)
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
![James L. Arrasmith James L. Arrasmith](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1668636-1701034960-sl.png)
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?
![James L. Arrasmith James L. Arrasmith](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1668636-1701034960-sl.png)
answered on Jan 12, 2024
With the expiration of the copyright for "Steamboat Willie," the specific version of Mickey Mouse as he appeared in that 1928 film has entered the public domain. This means you can use the characteristics of Mickey Mouse as depicted in that particular film, including his design and... View More
Can we use the words "Mickey Mouse"?
Can he have different clothes on my drawings?
What exactly are the limitations?
![Sheldon Starke Sheldon Starke](https://lawyers.justia.com/images/no-picture-listings.png)
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
Long story short I want to create youtube videos of RANDOM and just RANDOM content while using ex: Flash cowl. Just the top part of the mask not even the one that covers the whole face. I will use a different name, and although use some mannerisms, it will be obvious it is pure satire/parody. I got... View More
![James L. Arrasmith James L. Arrasmith](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1668636-1701034960-sl.png)
answered on Jan 11, 2024
Using elements of a copyrighted superhero character, such as the Flash's cowl, in your content can be legally risky, even if you're only using part of the costume and intend it as satire or parody. Copyright law protects original works of authorship, including characters and their... View More
MIcrosoft copyright guidelines state that portions of screenshots cannot be used. I have a need to show many specific, zoomed in areas of the Excel interface
![James L. Arrasmith James L. Arrasmith](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1668636-1701034960-sl.png)
answered on Dec 19, 2023
In the United States, the use of copyrighted material, such as Excel screenshots, for educational purposes may fall under the category of "fair use." However, this is a complex area of law and depends on various factors, including the purpose of use, the nature of the copyrighted work,... View More
The company who copied our website is registered in Georgia
![James L. Arrasmith James L. Arrasmith](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1668636-1701034960-sl.png)
answered on Dec 4, 2023
In cases of copyright infringement, such as someone copying your website, the first step is to document the infringement thoroughly. This means taking screenshots or saving copies of the infringing website, and noting any direct similarities to your own site.
Next, consider sending a cease... View More
im thinking about a restaurant called H&V (heroes and villains) using my own personal collection of figures and comics to display would this be against copyright or trademark laws no names will ever be used
![James L. Arrasmith James L. Arrasmith](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1668636-1701034960-sl.png)
answered on Nov 13, 2023
Creating a superhero/supervillain-themed restaurant like H&V, using your personal collection of figures and comics for display, can be a complex matter in terms of copyright and trademark laws. The key issue is whether the use of these items could be seen as infringing on the intellectual... View More
Indonesian Broadcaster MOLATV gave me a copyright Strike on my channel. The UFC itself did not. Do they have the right to do that? Would me filing a dispute work? I see tons of that content on YouTube and nothing happened to other people. Do you think it’s just a scare tactic?
![James L. Arrasmith James L. Arrasmith](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1668636-1701034960-sl.png)
answered on Nov 12, 2023
In copyright matters, broadcasters like MOLATV may have rights to content, such as a UFC fight, in certain regions. If MOLATV holds the broadcasting rights for the UFC content in Indonesia, they may enforce copyright claims on platforms like YouTube.
The fact that UFC itself did not issue... View More
People ask me for this. No picture is sold, just my time and supplies.
![James L. Arrasmith James L. Arrasmith](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1668636-1701034960-sl.png)
answered on Nov 8, 2023
Hosting a paint party where participants paint the Grinch's face involves copyright considerations, as the character is protected intellectual property. If you are providing instruction and supplies for individuals to create their own paintings for personal use, it generally falls under... View More
If I can not read a copy righted work in whole can I read exserts from it as part of a book review or discussion group?
![Dominique M. Williams Dominique M. Williams](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1672311-1693335860-sl.jpeg)
answered on Nov 3, 2023
I would caution against reading the book, or portions thereof, aloud publicly on a platform where you are receiving revenue. Under copyright law, a copyright owner is given sole and exclusive rights to reproduce the work, create derivative works, perform the work, display the work, or to authorize... View More
If I can not read a copy righted work in whole can I read exserts from it as part of a book review or discussion group?
![James L. Arrasmith James L. Arrasmith](http://justatic.com/profile-images/1668636-1701034960-sl.png)
answered on Nov 4, 2023
Reading a copyrighted book in its entirety on a platform like YouTube or Twitch, especially when revenue is involved, may lead to copyright infringement claims. It's generally not permitted unless you have obtained explicit permission from the copyright holder.
However, reading... View More
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