Get free answers to your Trademark legal questions from lawyers in your area.
The situation is messy. I went into business with my sister. She had a partnership with another sister, but the other sister left the business. So she asked me to join. We had a verbal agreement. It was promised that I'd become a partner, or we may renegotiate for me to have a stake in... View More 
answered on Jul 25, 2024
Based on the situation you've described, there are several legal considerations to address:
Copyright ownership:
Your husband, as the creator of the logo, automatically owns the copyright to his work unless there was a written agreement transferring those rights.... View More
The situation is messy. I went into business with my sister. She had a partnership with another sister, but the other sister left the business. So she asked me to join. We had a verbal agreement. It was promised that I'd become a partner, or we may renegotiate for me to have a stake in... View More
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answered on Jun 26, 2024
This situation involves several complex legal issues. Let's break it down:
1. Copyright ownership:
Generally, the creator of a work (in this case, your husband who designed the logo) owns the copyright unless there's an agreement transferring those rights. Since there was... View More
I registered a domain. Facebook sent me a letter not to do anything with the domain. This domain now belongs to Facebook
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answered on Feb 27, 2024
If you've registered a domain and received a letter from Facebook claiming the domain now belongs to them, it’s likely because they believe your domain infringes on their trademark rights. Trademark law protects brands and trademarks from use that could cause confusion among consumers about... View More
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answered on Feb 5, 2024
Under California law, the phrase "Dirty Hands Clean Money" is not inherently illegal. However, whether you can make and sell products with this phrase depends on the specific context and use. If the phrase is used in a way that implies illegal or unethical activities, it could potentially... View More
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answered on Jan 21, 2024
Using Spirit Airlines' logo or trademark to develop a product would generally require written permission from Spirit Airlines, as their logo and trademark are protected intellectual property. Using these without proper authorization could potentially lead to trademark infringement issues.... View More
Here's the exact scenario, but with the character name changed. For example, the character name Matlock is currently trademarked for usage in books, films, and TV by a major media company (plus a number of other trademarks around clothes, notebooks, etc).
They also had the computer... View More
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answered on Dec 20, 2023
When considering registering a trademark for a character name that's already in use in other mediums, it's important to recognize the complexities involved. Even if the trademark for the game version of the character name is abandoned, the character itself might still be protected under... View More
My question is in regards to advertising. The opposite entity has retained the legal copyright to the former business name. I as the new company want to advertise myself as “Formerly the other company” but the opposing party is claiming I can’t use their name in any way. Would I be liable if... View More
answered on Oct 5, 2023
This is a trademark question, not copyright. It is certainly permissible to state that you were formerly known by another name (trademark) if it is factually true. It is not objectionable that you distinguish the prior use, because that avoids the likelihood of confusion. Promoting confusion is the... View More
I as a distributor of tea products place a brand customer's custom logo on the product and ship to their customer when they have orders. If one of these brands also has us place another 3rd parties logo (a 501c charity they raise money for) on the product am I at risk of any legal liability... View More
answered on Jun 21, 2023
Those third party logos are someone's intellectual property, and I would advise you to obtain some kind of proof from your customer that these third party logos are allowed/licensed to be used in the particular product.
The art says "Peep-a-Boo" and shows just the ears at the bottom of the image indicating it's about to come up or is hiding. I have another one that shows just the middle of a peep's face (two eyes but no ears or body) hiding in a cracked egg. Finally, I have one that shows a... View More
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answered on Mar 29, 2023
It is difficult to determine whether the use of "Peep" and a small fraction of a Peep's shape in your artwork would be considered a parody without more information about the context and purpose of your artwork. However, even if your artwork is intended as a parody, it is possible... View More
"A tradition unlike any other" is trademarked. My company wants to release a seasoning that would say "A seasoning unlike any other". Would this break copyright law
answered on Feb 18, 2022
Augusta National's registration is for use of the mark "A tradition unlike any other" on wall plaques (in International Class 020) and clothing (in International Class 025).
Your proposed use of the mark "A seasoning unlike any other" for seasoning (in... View More
answered on Aug 31, 2020
The original paintings by John James Audubon are old enough that they are in the public domain. Any other photos or paintings or drawings, however, which may be available through the Audubon Society, may not be in the public domain.
can i send the example of the t shirt for reference? dog theme is purely general, no negative/positive undertones,
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answered on Mar 23, 2020
The issue here may not be one of trademark but rather the right of publicity. Snoop is a celebrity whose name, image and likeness have monetary value. If someone else uses that for monetary gain they could be liable. Feel free to email me at tania.williams@williamsfirmpa.com for a consult so... View More
Im wanting to use a skyline view but the view i want to use has the Miller sign in it. I looked and they have a design trademarked but not the sign or skyline. The trademark says that it contains specific words, i think since we are just using the outline with no words we should be ok?
answered on Mar 18, 2020
Hard to understand what you are trying to accomplish.
If you make a design of a skyline, you could file for trademark protection, if it meets all the requirements.
Consult with an attorney so we can provide better guidance.
answered on Jul 20, 2018
You should speak with a trademark attorney in a confidential conversation. It may be possible. An attorney would need to know more about your business.
They call themselves "Foolsgold Theatre Company" and are (from what I understand) a stage theatre brand, while we call ourselves "Fools Gold Theatre Productions" and are strictly online creating audio. They've contacted me asking me to stop using it because they've... View More
answered on Aug 9, 2017
It would appear that the threshold issue here is whether or not they do business under that name in the United States (or whether you do business with yours in the UK). Trademark rights are geographical in nature. While the geographical nature has eroded somewhat due to the international nature... View More
answered on Aug 25, 2015
Talk to a local trademark lawyer, who can investigate and advise.
Please Take Notice: I am not your lawyer unless we enter into an engagement agreement in writing. This is general information that is given for legal education only. It is not legal advice, and it may not work for your... View More
answered on Aug 25, 2015
More information is needed to answer. This type of question has to be answered based on the specific facts involved (product, geography, usage by others, etc.). Generally speaking, if it's for the same type of product/service, then it could be problematic. Talk to a local trademark lawyer, who... View More
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