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Colorado Trademark Questions & Answers
3 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Business Law, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Colorado on
Q: My gym made a t shirt that hints at another gyms logo. The t shirt is satire. I’m looking for a lawyer to take a look

The t shirt is purple and says “welcome to the judgement zone” this is a twist on a popular gym franchise. We used the colors yellow and purple and the shirt features a thumbs down in the middle. We can send the design for review

Kevin Michael Strait
Kevin Michael Strait
answered on Jan 17, 2024

Though I can't comment on your specific legal situation in this forum, I can offer some guidance on the fair use doctrines in US trademark law. In a combination of codified federal law and certain supreme court rulings, the development of a phrase or logo that parodies an existing, registered... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Business Law, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Colorado on
Q: My gym made a t shirt that hints at another gyms logo. The t shirt is satire. I’m looking for a lawyer to take a look

The t shirt is purple and says “welcome to the judgement zone” this is a twist on a popular gym franchise. We used the colors yellow and purple and the shirt features a thumbs down in the middle. We can send the design for review

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 18, 2024

When considering the legal aspects of your gym's t-shirt design, it's important to understand the concepts of trademark infringement and parody. Trademark infringement occurs when a new design is confusingly similar to an existing trademark, potentially causing the public to mistakenly... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Trademark, Copyright and Intellectual Property for Colorado on
Q: Can I use shadow silhouettes of trademarked characters on the cover of an educational non-fiction book?

It is a book about positive, negative, and flat character arcs. The cover would preferably have easily recognizable shadows of characters that fit each arc type. Such as Han Solo, Walter White, and Wonder Woman. I have characters in the public domain in mind in case I need to go that route, but... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 15, 2023

Using shadow silhouettes of trademarked characters on the cover of your educational non-fiction book could potentially raise copyright and trademark issues. While the concept of shadows may lessen the likelihood of direct infringement, it's important to consider the overall impression and... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Trademark, Copyright and Intellectual Property for Colorado on
Q: Can I use shadow silhouettes of trademarked characters on the cover of an educational non-fiction book?

It is a book about positive, negative, and flat character arcs. The cover would preferably have easily recognizable shadows of characters that fit each arc type. Such as Han Solo, Walter White, and Wonder Woman. I have characters in the public domain in mind in case I need to go that route, but... View More

Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
answered on Aug 10, 2023

This raises both copyright and trademark issues, but both bend in your favor.

The copyrights in the commercial depictions of the characters are owned by the producers, but allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship,...
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3 Answers | Asked in Trademark, Copyright and Intellectual Property for Colorado on
Q: I’m planning to get a trademark for my company name and slogan. Should I get a copyright for the different artwork?

It is a T-shirt company that will have a variety of artwork along with our basic name and slogan.

Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
answered on Mar 7, 2023

The company's trademark can be plain text, text with a graphic design, or a graphic design alone. You could also separately register the copyright in the graphic element if it is an original work. And if the products have original graphics, they can also be registered as copyrighted works. You... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Trademark, Copyright and Intellectual Property for Colorado on
Q: I’m planning to get a trademark for my company name and slogan. Should I get a copyright for the different artwork?

It is a T-shirt company that will have a variety of artwork along with our basic name and slogan.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 10, 2023

Yes, it is a good idea to obtain copyright protection for any original artwork that you create and use on your T-shirts. Trademarks protect brand names, logos, and slogans that distinguish a company's products or services from those of others. Copyrights protect original works of authorship,... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Trademark, Copyright and Intellectual Property for Colorado on
Q: I’m planning to get a trademark for my company name and slogan. Should I get a copyright for the different artwork?

It is a T-shirt company that will have a variety of artwork along with our basic name and slogan.

Kevin Michael Strait
Kevin Michael Strait
answered on Mar 7, 2023

Trademarks and copyright protection are good business protection tools, but these two areas of law can be confusing.

Trademarks protect words slogans, phrases, and graphic art (such as a logo) that are used to identify a brand or a product's seller in the marketplace. Two companies...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Copyright and Trademark for Colorado on
Q: I want to start a business and want to put “Barbie” in the LLC name. Specifically Bartender Barbie.

I want to start a business and want to put “Barbie” in the LLC name. Specifically Bartender Barbie, a business where I go bartend events, parties, etc. I myself am blonde and have pink bar tools which is how the nickname was born. I want to make sure there would be no infringement since I am... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 18, 2024

Using the name "Barbie" in your LLC, especially in a way that might reference the iconic doll brand owned by Mattel, can raise serious legal issues. Mattel holds strong trademark rights over the "Barbie" name and has been known to enforce these rights vigorously, even in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Trademark, Copyright and Intellectual Property for Colorado on
Q: Can I take a photo that I took of a car in a public area, put it on a peice of clothing and sell it?

I took a photo of a bmw m3, in a public area and I edited the photo and designed it, and I’m wondering if I can put it on a shirt and sell it.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 7, 2023

In general, yes, you can take a photo of a car in a public area and use it for commercial purposes such as selling it on a shirt. However, there are certain legal considerations to keep in mind, such as potential copyright or trademark issues if there are logos or branding visible on the car.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Trademark for Colorado on
Q: Russel Wilson has made the phrase Let's Ride popular! Is there a infringement case if we've trademarked that already?

Denver Bronco branding has taken off with this phrase

Erik Špila
Erik Špila
answered on Sep 29, 2022

This is quite complicated question and an answer to it depends on various circumstances you have not mentioned such as date of priority, lenght of usage of trademark, goods and services in question, territory in which trademarks are in use and so on.

I definitely advice you to seek local...
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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Trademark for Colorado on
Q: Need to know if I am allowed to us an alias name for a musical artist career.

The name I will be using is “Digitone”. Needing to make sure this doesn’t compete with trademarks under the name that are already in use. As I will not be making products that compete with these said companies that currently hold the trademarked name which seem to be around 5+ companies.

Kevin Michael Strait
Kevin Michael Strait
answered on Jan 20, 2022

Yes, you can use a stage name that is a word or phrase that already exists in another line of business. Trademarks and, more generally, the words and phrases you use to distinguish your performances, are subject to a broad legal test that focuses on likelihood of confusion. The confusion in... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Trademark for Colorado on
Q: How do I get my trademark up to date

No pity self inflicted

Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
answered on Jan 10, 2022

The application (serial number 86066606) to register NO PITY SELF INFLICTED was abandoned in 2014, for failure to respond to an action from the trademark examiner. It cannot be revived. If you still want to use and register the mark as before, you should consult an experienced trademark attorney... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Trademark for Colorado on
Q: Hello, is the story of Kong in the public domain? I have heard King Kong and Kong are separate entities can anyone help?

I am an author and I have been considering creating a story based on Kong, using all of the Kong properties such as the character of Kong himself, skull island, and the things related to the original 1933 story. From what I understand Universal Studios own the rights to the character King Kong, but... View More

Marcos Garciaacosta
Marcos Garciaacosta
answered on Aug 15, 2021

Interesting question. You need to consult with an attorney to evaluate your options.

It is possible that parts of the story are now or soon in public domain. BUT you need to be careful on what you use. Just because something is in the public domain, if you copy somebody's else...
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2 Answers | Asked in Trademark for Colorado on
Q: If I buy a trademarked item from a licensed seller can I use that item in the product I create and sell it?

I am buying the insignia for a military branch then affixing it to a wooden flag, then selling the flag. The company I am buying the insignia from is licensed to sell them.

Marcos Garciaacosta
Marcos Garciaacosta
answered on Jun 11, 2021

Probably not.

It will depend on the conditions of the sale.

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1 Answer | Asked in Trademark for Colorado on
Q: I am working on writing a book. I like the title The Woodsman. Can I use that if it is trademarked by Gunhide Properties
Linda Liang
Linda Liang
answered on May 19, 2021

Trademark provides legal protection of brand of product and service. Book title is not a brand. I do not think using someone's trademark as book title constitute infringement of trademark.

1 Answer | Asked in Trademark for Colorado on
Q: Does the "Spikeball" trademark held by Kankakee Spikeball restrict use of words Spike Ball on shirt designs?
Evelyn Suero
Evelyn Suero
answered on Feb 8, 2021

Ability to legally use a trademark depends on many factors. If a trademark is registered and being used in a class/category that is similar or related to your proposed class/category, then that trademark could prevent your trademark from being registered. Additionally, using the trademark could... View More

4 Answers | Asked in Trademark for Colorado on
Q: Can you Trademark a online business name, that sells used items along with new items,
Floyd Edwin Ivey
Floyd Edwin Ivey
answered on Oct 15, 2020

The Word, Symbol or Device you use to identify your business is a trademark. A trademark can be used as a common-law mark, registered in a state and, if interstate commerce is intended the mark can be registered with the Federal Trademark Office.

The Mark cannot be similar in sight of...
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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Colorado on
Q: I am designing shoes and named one pair Kill Bill. Could I get in trouble for trademark infringement?

It would be helpful if you could guide me to some resources to prevent copyright/trademark infringement with my designs and names for shoes.

John B. Hudak
John B. Hudak
answered on Jun 10, 2020

When doing research about trademarks and copyrights look at uspto.gov and copyright.gov.

You can search for trademarks on TESS. Your trademark search should include more than TESS.

Consider hiring an intellectual property attorney to do a full analysis of the facts specific to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Trademark for Colorado on
Q: Where on the Trademark Details does it show an Active trademark?
Evelyn Suero
Evelyn Suero
answered on Jun 1, 2020

If you are referring to the active status of a federal trademark registration, you can conduct a trademark search using TESS on the USPTO website and the results will indicate which marks have "active registrations". However, you should note that unregistered trademarks in use and/or... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Trademark for Colorado on
Q: I am trademarking my business name: SpecificNameX Training.

If in the future I'd like to add a component to the business & TM a new name (similar but with a new word at the end) SpecificNameX Studios, will I be able to?

Bill Hulsey
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Bill Hulsey
answered on May 16, 2020

Probably. Consider establishing a family of marks.

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