Get free answers to your Copyright legal questions from lawyers in your area.
Can we use the words "Mickey Mouse"?
Can he have different clothes on my drawings?
What exactly are the limitations?
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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 
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
I hired someone for my business to play Santa and pictures were taken. Due to unprofessional issues on their part, we couldn’t rehire this year. Could we still use pictures we took with him in advertisements this year? Or can we get in trouble legally?
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answered on Nov 26, 2024
This is an interesting question both for the naughty Santa aspect and for the confusion of copyright with name image and likeness, and also because it provokes more questions.
Whoever took the pictures owns the copyright in the pictures, unless they assigned the pictures copyright to you.... View More
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answered on Nov 15, 2024
This is a serious situation that requires prompt attention. Copyright infringement notices from ISPs typically mean your internet connection was flagged for downloading or sharing copyrighted material without permission. These notices often serve as warnings before legal action begins.
You... View More
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answered on Oct 29, 2024
Choosing the name "River Oaks" for your clothing line is a thoughtful decision. It's important to first check if the name is already in use within the fashion industry or if it's trademarked. Conducting a thorough search through trademark databases and business registries can... View More
I want to make and sell digital travel guides that center around filming locations for specific movies and tv shows. My goal is to educate travelers on where the film locations were, how to get there, and general facts about the place (weather, time zone, etc.). Would using the title of the... View More
answered on Oct 15, 2024
Although the content of television programs and movies are the subjects of copyright, their titles are not. To use the titles in the way you propose, merely to name them for reference, is legally permissible as "nominative fair use".
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answered on Oct 6, 2024
If you have already filed a case against a police officer in U.S. District Court and your complaint relies on dash and body cam footage, it's crucial to ensure this evidence is properly preserved and presented. The first step is to request the footage as part of the discovery process. You can... View More
Any images within the original image will not be used in the final product. Output will use a different css framework as the original layout and there will be slight differences in functionality and positioning of elements, etc. Basically I'm looking for copyright advice and if there is any... View More
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answered on Sep 25, 2024
When creating a code layout based on an image snapshot, copyright concerns depend on how closely the final product resembles the original. Since you’re using a different CSS framework and making modifications to functionality and positioning, you are introducing enough changes to reduce the risk... View More
Could be indie or a AAA title game
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answered on Sep 22, 2024
Creating a business around selling recorded game footage can be legally tricky. Most video games, whether indie or AAA, are protected by intellectual property laws. When you record gameplay, you are capturing someone else’s copyrighted content, so you would need permission from the game's... View More
My wife cosplays a book character on TikTok and Instagram. In many of her videos she uses audio that another creator has edited together from the Graphic Audio Book. All less than a minute long. On TikTok the sound links automatically to the other creator, but on Instagram she tags the creator of... View More
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answered on Sep 5, 2024
If your wife received a direct request from Graphic Audio Book to remove videos containing their audio, she should take it seriously. The company may have the legal right to protect its copyrighted material, even if it is edited or used in short clips. Ignoring the request could lead to potential... View More
7-11 or Southland Corp in the 80's had Icee machines with a metal drip/drain pan. This needed replaced often due to carbonation causing erosion. My grandfather designed a plastic one which 7-11 stores began using. He never patented this. I believe I still have the design blueprint. How can I... View More
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answered on Aug 24, 2024
You mentioned that your grandfather created a plastic drip pan for Icee/Slurpee machines that 7-11 stores used, but he never patented it. To explore whether a patent already exists for this type of invention, you can start by conducting a patent search through databases like the USPTO’s Patent... 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?
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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
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?
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
I'm planning to create an IP of and episodic TV show and am planning on giving the company full creative control, apart from a creation credit, if possible. However, I'm not entirely sure what I need, besides the IP of course.
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answered on Oct 26, 2023
To sell an IP to a broadcasting company, beyond the intellectual property rights, you should have a well-structured pitch or presentation that outlines the concept, target audience, and potential value of the TV show. A clear and compelling pilot script or episode outline can significantly enhance... View More
I will not use the Networks logo just the letters printed on my jacket. Is this legal or does Warner own the letter combination?
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answered on Oct 16, 2023
Yes, you can put the letters CNN on your jacket without violating copyright. Copyright law protects original works of authorship, such as literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works. The letters CNN are not an original work of authorship, so they are not protected by copyright. However, Warner... View More
Tax records never received please review detailed information from modified archive records switches
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answered on Sep 11, 2023
Ensure to use “n.d.” to indicate “no date” for the publication date. Use the most specific title available for the page, and include the retrieval date to indicate when you accessed the information, since web content can change over time.
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