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Washington Intellectual Property Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Washington on
Q: I'm writing a parody novel I intend to sell using cheap knock offs of action movie characters.

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

Donovan A Rodriques
Donovan A Rodriques
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

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Washington on
Q: Can Rainbow pattern dice be copyrighted?

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.

Marjorie Simmons
Marjorie Simmons
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

1 Answer | Asked in Intellectual Property for Washington on
Q: If I created a logo for a business with the promise of payment and didn't receive payment, who has copyright?

My husband started a business in OR with partner, they had me work on website, logo, etc. Now. Husband has left the business after 3 months and I never got paid for my work. The redemption was signed and didn't include my fees, but I was under the impression that I would get paid. Two... View More

Marjorie Simmons
Marjorie Simmons
answered on Jul 6, 2016

A work can be "made for hire" under some circumstances, and in those circumstances, the person who hired the work can be the work's owner. If there was any understanding that the work (logo & site) was to be paid for in order to be used, then you can stop the person from using... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Intellectual Property for Washington on
Q: how do I change my address for my trademark?
Marjorie Simmons
Marjorie Simmons
answered on Jul 6, 2016

Did you register your trademark with the USPTO (http://www.uspto.gov/trademark)? Or did you register your trademark with the state? Each have their own procedures for address changes. If you have an online account with the USPTO, you can log in and update your account there, and they at times... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Intellectual Property for Washington on
Q: Can I register a copyright to a diary I found in my grandmother's attic?
Paul Overhauser
Paul Overhauser
answered on Dec 17, 2010

Only a "claimant" to a copyright can register it. You are not the "author" you so you can not claim ownership through authorship. However, assuming your grandmother is dead, and your are her sole heir, you may be the copyright owner under the laws where your grandmother died.... View More

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