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Virginia Copyright Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Copyright for Virginia on
Q: Can I get sued for using an actor's name?

I'm writing a book, and I want to use Leonardo DeCaprio's hair cut (from the '90s) and I feel like the readers won't be able to know what I'm talking about if I don't say something like, "It looks like Leonardo DeCaprio's haircut." Can I get sued for doing that? Like sued for copyright?

Marcos Garciaacosta
Marcos Garciaacosta
answered on Apr 1, 2020

will depend on the context and extent.

If you are just making a minor mention, like in a critique, it may fall under fair use.

if it is bigger than that, you may be stepping in his rights.

check with an attorney.

www.legalbizglobal.com

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Patents (Intellectual Property) and Trademark for Virginia on
Q: Can you use the phrase Monday night raw even though it’s a WWF show?

If one wanted to use it within the title of their own work. Is this a patent, trademark, or copyright issue?

Kevin E. Flynn
PREMIUM
Kevin E. Flynn
answered on Feb 5, 2020

This is not a patent issue.

Kevin E Flynn

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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Internet Law for Virginia on
Q: There is a website using my pictures without permission. What are my options?

I was asked by the founder of a dog rescue to maintain her website. In two years of maintaining that website, I had also taken pictures of the dogs and volunteers at the rescue. Since I was maintaining the website I posted those pictures on the website. The founder all of a sudden, with no... View More

Marcos Garciaacosta
Marcos Garciaacosta
answered on Oct 8, 2019

You can try asking her formally to remove the pictures as they are your property.

Your legal option is possible to sue. Expensive though.

You can recover damages caused by him using the pictures without your approval, but you have to prove that.

You can copyright the photos...
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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Trademark for Virginia on
Q: If I have a slogan or catchphrase for a hat, T shirt, and/or pennant, do I need a copyright or a trademark to protect it
Griffin Klema
Griffin Klema
answered on May 3, 2019

Usually, things printed on clothing are not considered identifiers of source. Trademark protects against source confusion, and frequently the things printed on clothing are considered ornamentation rather than suggestive of the quality or origin of the clothing itself. Nevertheless, you may be able... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Intellectual Property, Patents (Intellectual Property) and Copyright for Virginia on
Q: how can multiple companies sell sewing tape measures without infringing on a patent?

Multiple companies like Singer, Dritz and less well known companies sell sewing tape measures. How do they escape infringing on patents? Further, how can multiple companies sell retractable tape measures without infringing?

Kevin E. Flynn
PREMIUM
Kevin E. Flynn
answered on Mar 5, 2018

There are a few options for how multiple companies sell a product when there is a patent for that product.

1) The patent has expired at the en of its normal term or early for failure to pay a maintenance fee. Once the patent is no longer in effect, companies are free to create a generic...
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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright for Virginia on
Q: should I worry about a lawsuit about downloading a movie from popcorn website want me to settle for $4300

Got papers saying from comcast first saying i can sign forms to stop release of my info. I didnt because thought was junk mail. The yesterday got papers saying have a lawsuit and want me to settle for 4300$.

Will Blackton
Will Blackton
answered on Dec 14, 2017

If you were served with a lawsuit you must respond within a certain period of time or you lose by default. If you received anything that is captioned as a "Summons" or "Complaint" and is accompanied with the name of a specific court, contact a lawyer in your state as soon as... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Patents (Intellectual Property) for Virginia on
Q: If I just created a new invention or concept what's the best way I can protect if I have no money
Peter D. Mlynek
Peter D. Mlynek
answered on Oct 16, 2017

You've asked about an invention, which is covered by patents, but you posted your question under copyrights. Let me answer your question both ways.

COPYRIGHTS

If you are trying to protect something that is copyrightable, then the protection does not cost you anything. If you...
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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Patents (Intellectual Property) for Virginia on
Q: How can I protect my ideas if im dead broke?
Kevin E. Flynn
PREMIUM
Kevin E. Flynn
answered on Oct 11, 2017

For a short period of time, you can keep your idea a secret. This may not work forever as others may eventually come to the same solution for the same problem.

There is a pro bono program for inventors run at the United States Patent and Trademark Office. I have not used this program...
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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Virginia on
Q: Copyright Infringement- What do I do now?

I am a photographer with a registered Copyright. I work as a freelance for my own company and another company for sports. Under this, the photographs that I take are my own property. My school says that I must present them with my photographs because I am technically shooting for them which is not... View More

Benton R Patterson III
Benton R Patterson III
answered on Sep 20, 2017

The ownership of the copyright to the photographs will depend on your employment arrangement and any applicable contracts. An IP attorney needs to review all the facts and documents to determine who owns the rights to the photograph. In the future, it would be best to have an attorney prepare a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Virginia on
Q: I have an idea for a system which can predict a large earthquake. Please let me know how I can find a lawyer willing to

help for sharing the monetary profits.

Will Blackton
Will Blackton
answered on Feb 3, 2017

You can find a lawyer by contacting the Virginia Bar Association. Here is a link to their referral program: http://www.vba.org/?page=referrals_complaints

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright for Virginia on
Q: I am seeking to pursue copyright options; Can you represent me? Copyright 2020BMW
Mr. Michael O. Stevens
Mr. Michael O. Stevens
answered on Mar 9, 2016

Attorneys cannot solicit your business in a forum such as this. You will have to seek out one, which you can use the find a lawyer link above to try and find a copyright attorney near you.

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