Clik here to view.
Trying to Clear Pre-1923 Artwork for Film
Dear Rich: I work in the film industry and often experience frustration and confusion around the use of art work supposedly in the public domain. When I am trying to clear a piece of pre-1923 work...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Can I Use Louise Brooks Photo?
Dear Rich: I'd like to ask your advice on whether I'm able to use a photo I've seen on the internet of the 1920's actress Louise Brooks for my art work which I would then sell online and through shops...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Should We Use Work for Hire Agreement in California?
Dear Rich: We work in HR in Los Angeles and we're confused about whether to use work made for hire agreements with independent contractors, particularly for website programmers. We got a memo that...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Can I Be A Disney Party Princess Impersonator?
Dear Rich: I want to be a princess party entertainer for kids. If I make a costume (not licensed) and NOT call the princess by its "Disney" name, can I charge for my party entertainment services? Is...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Can We Reproduce Covers of Magazines
Dear Rich: Quick question, which I'd be hugely grateful if you could answer. My company is launching a magazine on the subject of marketing. One of the news stories in the mag talks about how luxury...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Can We Use Video of Deceased Musician?
Dear Rich: A musician friend recently gave a concert. (Let's call him the Musician.) He was a master of traditional folk music, so the tunes were either his distinctive arrangements of public domain...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Should She Trademark or Patent Doll?
Dear Rich: I created a new plush doll from an original design. The intent is to manufacture and offer the doll for sale. Should I apply for a trademark or a patent? We can't tell you whether you should...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Should I Patent My Clothing Idea?
Pat No. 4,151,613A protective device for the buttocks and hips of a person for use in skateboardingDear Rich: There is sport-specific clothing, padded bike shorts, fishing vests, etc. I have an idea to...
View ArticleCan We Make Cover Song Video?
Dear Rich: I'm in a band, that's just starting. We write songs, which we intend to release soon. We were wondering, though, if it would be alright to make some videos of us singing other artist's songs...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Wants to Make Ric Rac Taggies
Dear Rich: I want to make a taggie for a friend and know people will see it and want one. I am aware of the legal issues on looped ribbon. Can I use textured ribbon and Ric Rac? I have ribbon which has...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Has Idea for Book Bag Design
Dear Rich: I am 20 years old and I'm looking to get my idea patented. Which forms are needed for a book bag type design? Are all the fees due at the same time the application is turned in or can I...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Wants to Make Documentary About Famous Movie Star
Dear Rich: I want to make a documentary film about a famous movie star who’s still living and active. I will use photos and clips of him and license them from Getty Images. I assume I can do this...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Wants to Create Superman Coffee Table Book
Dear Rich: I am working on a Superman movie coffee table book that will be photo heavy and likely self-published. The photos come from my own collection, many of which were never seen by the public...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Can Site Sue For Downloading Photo?
Dear Rich: I'd like to follow up on the "Can I use Louise Brooks Photo?" question. Your answer was (basically) that it was likely public domain because it probably was not renewed, so the artist could...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Can I Create a Stars Wars App?
Dear Rich: I am a Star Wars fan and in my spare time I have created a Win 8 app game which uses the Star Wars storyline. Now it is nearly finished but I have some doubts in publishing it to the Windows...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Wants to Publish "Digger" Cover Songs
Female digger by Van GoghDear Rich: I saw your post about changed song lyrics and I had a question which takes a step in a different direction. I have sung lots of songs with my young son about...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Why Not Get Rid of Copyright When Trademarks Are So Much Better?
Dear Rich: I recently looked into whether Mickey Mouse or any of Walt Disney's old videos like Steamboat Willie were in the public domain. They were created in the late 1920's. I'm a little shocked to...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Wants to Make Sexy Snow White
Dear Rich: I am planning to publish a book on Snow White and the 7 Dwarves that will be, shall we say, salacious in nature. I read Disney created a trademark for Snow White in 2010 but that it won't...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Micro-Entity Fees Have Finally Arrived!
It took long enough to implement (18 months) but the new super-reduced micro-entity fee rules finally kicked in this morning. There are two paths to these reduced fees but in this entry we're only...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Who Owns Rights to Spanish Painting?
Dear Rich: I am a documentary filmmaker working on a documentary about a Spanish artist. I want to use a painting he completed in 1962 that was commissioned by an American organization and delivered to...
View Article