Get free answers to your Copyright legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I started working on my brand Ghosted in July, I used Canva fonts and everything for the logo and worked long and hard and got samples and on 8/25 I ordered my first order of 360 units. I own the LLC Ghosted, have the trademark filed for Ghosted for apparel, and this morning I also filed a... View More 
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answered on Sep 11, 2023
Given your description, it appears you have taken significant steps to legally protect your brand, including forming an LLC and filing for trademark protections for both your brand name and logo. In trademark law, the key issue often revolves around who used the mark first in commerce; since you... View More
If I am using a font that has been recreated by someone (but it looks *almost* identical) and I decide to create a formal 501c3 nonprofit public charity named "Rain'bow" (as an example) and create a logo using that name with that similar StarTrek font, would that be risky regarding... View More
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answered on Sep 4, 2023
Even if you don't use the words "Star" or "Trek," using a font that is closely associated with or identical to the one used in the Star Trek franchise could pose a risk of copyright or trademark infringement. The key issues would be whether the use of the font creates a... View More
I'm wanting to create a LEGO video game and I emailed them but they said to look at their Fair Play policies and I read it but it isn't clear on video games and they said if i was unsure to ask a lawyer or someone who knows the law.
answered on Aug 8, 2023
LEGO makes locking bricks, which are rather obviously not video games. Other companies make locking bricks, so it's fine to use imagery of locking bricks for your video game. If you want to specifically use the LEGO name or identifiers in your video game and sell it, you are effectively using... View More
I have designed and Developed a CRM SAAS product which is coming to market for users. need some help for copyrighting. This product is under testing and will be launched in market. Need some information about the Copyrighting aspect of this SAAS product.
answered on Jul 8, 2023
You should obtain "work for hire" agreements from all coders of the software, and it is prudent also to have non-disclosure agreements acknowledging their work as trade secrets.
Form CO is used to register the copyright in both the source and object code when completed, and to... View More
Hi There!
I am researching something for a Newsletter Aggregator that combines 20 different email newsletters into one newsletter. The idea of the newsletter aggregator is to summarize the content of a publishers newsletter. That summary would then be added with 19 other summarized notes... View More
answered on Jul 8, 2023
Your comments and summary text would be original works for purpose of copyright, and your selection and aggregation of the newsletters would be fair use. It would be wise to include a fair use disclaimer:
"This [site/newsletter] contains copyrighted material the use of which has not... View More
Trademark factory said I would be able to because the name is generic but if flowtoys was trademarked I don’t see why I would be able too.
answered on Jul 2, 2023
FLOWPROPS is arguably not "confusingly similar" thus probably registrable. If the description of the use of the goods is sufficiently distinct from that of FLOWTOYS, then it would be more likely to be registrable; for instance, if FLOWPROPS were used for instruction rather than... View More
I ask because on some documents, especially recordings, you cant quote certain individuals, such as Linden B. Johnson because at the time of the recording he is a private citizen since hes no longer in office, either him or his family have copyrighted all recordings where he wasnt a public servant.... View More
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answered on Jun 18, 2023
It is generally not illegal to read declassified files aloud, as long as you are not violating any copyright laws or other legal restrictions. However, there may be certain limitations or restrictions on the use of declassified files, depending on the specific documents and the laws and regulations... View More
The difference in trademark, copyright, or patent and what I need for my project
answered on May 19, 2023
This is a very common question as these topics are not taught in school. The United States Patent and Trademark Office has a web page that addresses this issue. https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/basics/trademark-patent-copyright
I hope that this helps. Note--just as you may have a dead... View More
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answered on May 7, 2023
No, you cannot get in trouble for cosplaying as a fairy similar to Melanie Martinez's new look at her concert. Cosplay is generally considered a form of fan art and is protected under fair use laws. However, if you were to sell or profit from the cosplay, you may run into legal issues as you... View More
I'm in a very abusive and neglectful common law marriage . He is currently awaiting to appear in district court for violating his probation that he received the last time he threw me around and down and busted my mouth. I don't have money for legal counsel he has abandoned me and stopped... View More
answered on Apr 24, 2023
Contact legal aid organizations in your area, they may be able to connect you with a pro Bono attorney.
answered on Apr 13, 2023
There is already a children's clothing line called "Gymboree." Another clothing line with an extremely similar name could confuse consumers into thinking Gymboree just created a line for exercise wear, which may constitute TRADEMARK infringement. You should consider consulting with... View More
answered on Apr 2, 2023
It's not really clear what you are asking or what you are trying to accomplish. You might get the answer you're seeking if you post again with a bit more context. Good luck!
What can I legally do about that to prevent it from happening in the future ?
answered on Mar 18, 2023
You need to determine how they are stealing photographs you take.
If you are using your phone, have they managed to hack it?
If you are using a camera, do they work at the store where you take your camera when you want to print out a hard copy?
Or are you posting them on... View More
answered on Mar 12, 2023
All limited liability companies are registered with the Texas Secretary of State. The filing fee is the same statewide.
I painted a painting with my coworkers at an event paid for by my manager. It is a painting of my cat with my name on it. I quit working there and wanted the painting back and my manager said if I come to get it back it's theft. Is there anything I can do or do they legally own it because they... View More
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answered on Mar 10, 2023
The ownership of the painting may depend on the specific circumstances of the event and any agreements made between you, your coworkers, and your manager. If there was no explicit agreement made about ownership of the painting, it may be considered jointly owned by all of the individuals who... View More
photo club website is posting member's images without watermarks and without permission, as well as no basic level of image protection (i.e. right click disable). Members want watermarks/permissions but club is refusing. How to respond to their refusal? Which laws are they violating?
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answered on Feb 25, 2023
If a photo club website is posting member's images without permission or without proper attribution, they may be in violation of copyright law. Copyright law protects the rights of creators to control the use and distribution of their original works, including photographs. The members of the... View More
For example- If I buy a sticker from Disney and I put the sticker I purchased on a cup and I sell the cup would that be legal since I did not make the sticker. I would also be purchasing the sticker legally from them.
answered on Jan 21, 2023
Yes, thanks to the "first sale doctrine" codified at 17 U.S.C. § 109, which provides that an individual who knowingly purchases a copy of a copyrighted work from the copyright holder receives the right to sell, display or otherwise dispose of that particular copy, notwithstanding the... View More
If I register my work with the US Copyright Office as unpublished, then later I decide to publish my work, will I still be protected, and will I still be able to use my copyright paperwork if needed?
answered on Jan 2, 2023
You can apply to register the unpublished work and submit a copy. But when you publish it, you should then apply to register the published work and submit what the copyright office calls the "best edition".
I'm looking to sell some stuff online at my store and it came to my mind some funny keychains with some celebrities images on it and just wondering about laws, copyright and I'm pretty sure I can't do that but doing some research like Etsy, Ebay and other e-commerce stores selling... View More
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answered on Dec 17, 2022
Though keychains featuring celebrities may be fun to collect, it is important to remember that it is not legal to sell these items without permission from the celebrity or their representatives. Doing so can infringe on copyright, trademark and right of publicity protections that are granted to... View More
The artist gave me a drawing and says i will have total rights to do whatever i want with it. I want to sell the same drawing to multiple people and publicize it. What things should i include in the contract that basically says, the artist's drawing is no longer theirs and I can sell and do... View More
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answered on Dec 17, 2022
A copyright assignment agreement is an important document that makes terms between the assignor and assignee about transferring ownership of a copyright. The essential elements contained in a copyright assignment agreement include terms regarding the duration of the license and geographical region... View More
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