Get free answers to your Copyright legal questions from lawyers in your area.
Is there any particular law against reproducing and selling, say, the book cover of a book that is from another country? If so, where can I read more about it?
answered on Jan 2, 2018
The U.S. Copyright Office has published on this topic, search for "Copyright Office Circular 38A" on your search engine of choice or at the copyright.gov.
I’m looking to create a mobile program that allows kids to create their own stories by supplying them with art assets and allowing them to write in text. If this patent is that exact thing, is there a way around creating that or am I completely blocked on making this program? When does the patent... View More 
answered on Nov 7, 2017
Thanks for caring enough about doing the right thing to ask a question. The technical term for what you are asking is called freedom to operate (FTO) or sometimes "clearance". You are asking whether there are concrete legal rights that exist that would impinge on your freedom to operate... View More
answered on Sep 2, 2017
Do you intend to apply the actual logo stickers that you bought? In copyright, there is the First Sale Doctrine that provides that if a person buys an object having copyright protected material, the buyer can do what they want with the object. For example for a book, you could give it away or... View More
answered on Jul 7, 2017
Are you saying you're a web designer and you created a website for a pizza place, and someone copied and rebranded that website as Stacia's Gourmet Pizza?
If so, how much of your work was copied? What elements: images, text, html?
Or are you saying that Stacia's... View More
trying to start a brand/fabrication company
answered on Jul 3, 2017
Trademarks are specific to the type of goods being sold. If your company would not produce competing products with the existing mark, then you probably would not infringe their mark, and registration of your trademark may be possible. I would suggest contacting a trademark lawyer for a free initial... View More
I have a brochure I made in 1998 I only have the one copy that I mailed myself to protect the work. I want to update it but don't want to lose any protection I might have by opening the envelope. Is it protecting me, and thus needs to remain unopened, or is that an urban myth?
answered on Feb 24, 2017
This is an urban myth. Original creative works receive copyright protection as soon as they are created in some retrievable form, that is, when they're written or printed. Mailing yourself the work does nothing to enhance that copyright protection. However, filing for statutory copyright... View More
answered on Feb 8, 2017
If you're looking for general information about patents, the U.S. Patent Office has a good overview here: https://www.uspto.gov/patents-getting-started/general-information-concerning-patents
I have been given a scenario involving someone who creates a concert poster using a NASA Image called Reisman's Self Portrait. He displays this poster around town, social media websites, and personal websites. Would this be infringing on original copyright or would this be considered fair use?
answered on Feb 8, 2017
Under 17 USC 105, copyright does not extend to any work prepared by an officer or employee of the federal government as part of his or her official duties. This provision doesn't prevent the federal government from owning copyrights either by assignment or pursuant to work-made-for-hire... View More
I paint things for family and friends for holidays or a special occasion. I do not have or intend on having a business or sell these items. They are solely gifts. Am I allowed to paint a Disney character on something and give it as a gift, and post a picture of that gift? This was just mentioned to... View More
answered on Jan 27, 2017
This would qualify as trademark/copyright infringement. That being said, Disney would have to find out about this infringement and determine that it's worth their time to sue you, before you'd face the consequences of this infringement.
So, could you get in trouble? Yes.... View More
I run a smallish student organization at my university and we are designing the shirts to sell at an upcoming fundraiser. One of our designs is very similar to the wu tang W logo without the text. The funds raised from the shirts would go back into the club.
Are we allowed to do this right... View More
answered on Jan 27, 2017
You need to get permission to use copyrighted or trademarked images, if you want to avoid the risk of a lawsuit.
Your university probably employs an attorney who can help you obtain licensing rights, or at least advise you on how to do so.
However, someone who holds the rights to... View More
answered on Jan 27, 2017
Your question is unintelligible, you'll need to clarify some things before anyone can help you.
Did you make this video? What do you mean by public video? What right, specifically, are you referring to?
The more information you give, the more accurate an answer you can get.
I'm using many famous action movie/tv icons but with slightly or totally different names and personalities as characters in my book. The story is original, but mocking fantasy and sci-fi tropes. For example I spoof Mick "Crocodile" Dundee by making a character named Paul... View More
answered on Jan 21, 2017
You should speak with a qualified entertainment attorney regarding all the facts of your situation. Your treatment of these fictional characters may be considered "fair use", and the subject of first Amendment expression, which includes biographical, historical, satirical, and parodic... View More
A dice manufacturer has made dice for games like dungeons and dragons that are rainbow pattern. By Layering different colored resin on top of resin until the die is completed. Can this be copyrighted? They said they put in a copyright that protects this in the USA. But I can't find it.
answered on Sep 13, 2016
A copyright springs into being automatically when a work is created in a tangible form, however, registering the copyright with the U.S. Copyright office gives the copyright holder more rights to pursue a remedy if the copyright is infringed by others. You may want to read the general FAQ... View More
I want to create artworks to sell based on scenes from famous films. No names or titles will be used just scenes. Are there any copyright issues with this?
answered on Jun 16, 2015
Yes, you will have a copyright claim to your work. However, creative works based on previous works are considered a "derivative work" and require the permission of the original copyright owner before registration, distribution or pubic display/performance of the subsequent work.... View More
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
