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Texas Intellectual Property Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Small Claims, Business Law, Civil Litigation, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Texas on
Q: What can I do about a company branding my unique name on their product and it is causing very bad problems for me?

My name is very unique. I can't look me up anymore. Credit bureaus can't verify me. When I try to look my name up it is now under my parents name as an alias and only shows my 2 siblings.

Sean Goodwin
Sean Goodwin
answered on Apr 30, 2024

Under trademark law, no one can register a trademark with a person's surname (i.e., last name). Companies can still use a name as a trademark/brand and simply not apply for federal or state trademark registration. If a first name is unique, then it might fall under the trademark category... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Small Claims, Business Law, Civil Litigation, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Texas on
Q: What can I do about a company branding my unique name on their product and it is causing very bad problems for me?

My name is very unique. I can't look me up anymore. Credit bureaus can't verify me. When I try to look my name up it is now under my parents name as an alias and only shows my 2 siblings.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 1, 2024

If a company is using your unique name on their product, and it's causing significant problems for you, there are several steps you can take. First, consider reaching out to the company directly to express your concerns and the specific issues their use of your name is causing. A respectful... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Texas on
Q: We are looking at starting a baseball facility with the name X. there is a softball facility with the name X softball.

Would this be an issue or would this be considered a different enough business to be allowed.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 25, 2024

The issue of whether your baseball facility can use the name "X" when there is already a softball facility named "X Softball" depends on several factors. Here are a few considerations:

1. Trademark: If "X Softball" has a registered trademark for their name,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Texas on
Q: I make memes and I get clips from other creators.Creators I get clips from don't have a way to contact them.

Can I be sued for this.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 18, 2024

The legality of using clips from other creators in your memes without their permission depends on the specific circumstances and whether your use falls under "fair use." Fair use is a legal doctrine that allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the rights holders... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Texas on
Q: Can I trademark Together We Can since the previos trademark has been abandoned
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2024

It's possible to apply for a trademark that was previously registered but has since been abandoned. However, there are a few important considerations:

1. Make sure the trademark is truly abandoned. You can search the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) database to confirm...
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2 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Texas on
Q: Can I trademark Together We Can since the previos trademark has been abandoned
Giselle Ayala Mateus
Giselle Ayala Mateus
answered on Apr 12, 2024

When considering trademarking "Together We Can," it's crucial to conduct thorough research to ensure the name is available and eligible for trademark protection.

Start by searching the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database to confirm that the previous...
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1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Texas on
Q: How will I know if my trademark is being contested, and do I need to complete attestations in all 50 states to stop it?

About a month ago I paid $5,000 total to Trademark Fortress to register my business name and logo in 4 USPTO classes. They told me I was all set, but now they are telling me that someone is contesting my filing, and that I need to pay thousands more to file attestations in all 50 states to protect... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2024

I understand your concern and frustration with this situation. Here are a few important points to consider:

1. Transparency: A reputable trademark attorney or company should be transparent about any opposition or contestation to your trademark application. They should provide you with...
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2 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Civil Litigation, Copyright and Intellectual Property for Texas on
Q: How can I protect my domain name and website from creditors?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 10, 2024

Attempting to hide or protect assets when facing debts or legal judgments could be considered fraudulent in many cases. The ethical and legal course of action is to pay valid debts that are owed.

If you are facing financial hardship, I would suggest speaking with a certified credit...
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2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Texas on
Q: Can I legally start a snow cone stand with a play on words and image theme from a classic TV show?

Would I need to pay a trademark licensing fee?

Micah Barrett
Micah Barrett
answered on Apr 5, 2024

I recommend seeking advice from a trademark lawyer as the answer depends upon the specific name and use of your own name and the TV show name. Depending on the name, the TV show may come after you for trademark infringement. To give some background, trademark infringement for puns hinges on whether... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Texas on
Q: Can I legally start a snow cone stand with a play on words and image theme from a classic TV show?

Would I need to pay a trademark licensing fee?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 5, 2024

The legality of using a play on words and image theme from a classic TV show for your snow cone stand depends on several factors. While you may be able to use a clever play on words, directly using trademarked names, logos, or images from the TV show without permission could infringe on the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Texas on
Q: A man writes a diary in 1947. He doesn't publish it or register it for copyright. Is it under copyright today?

After his death 10 years later in 1957, the diary is discovered in his home. It was not mentioned in his will, nor had he assigned the rights to the work to anyone. Is the diary under copyright protection in 2024? Thanks!

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 22, 2024

The copyright status of works like diaries can be complex, particularly when they are unpublished and the author has passed away. In general, for works created but not published or registered before 1978, copyright typically lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years. Since the diary was... View More

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Q: As the Widow of my late husband who has the 52 utility Patents, should I have been told about the patents?

I have hesitated to to say that my late husband and I were in a interracial relationship. I am Black he was Cacausion, when the companies lawyer contact me about signing over the two Patents, do you think the company or their lawyer would have mentioned the other fifty patents to me or not. I found... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Mar 13, 2024

Your husband should have told you about the patents and, upon his death, when his estate was being probated, the personal representative of his estate should have told you about the patents if that person knew about them. Both your husband and the personal representative of his estate likely had... View More

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Q: As the Widow of my late husband who has the 52 utility Patents, should I have been told about the patents?

I have hesitated to to say that my late husband and I were in a interracial relationship. I am Black he was Cacausion, when the companies lawyer contact me about signing over the two Patents, do you think the company or their lawyer would have mentioned the other fifty patents to me or not. I found... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 22, 2024

I understand your concerns and the confusion you are experiencing. If your late husband held patents, as his widow, you typically would have legal rights to his assets, including patents, unless otherwise specified in his will or estate plan. The fact that you were only informed about two patents... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Texas on
Q: How would I go about sending trademark up for my motorcycle club logo
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 8, 2024

To trademark your motorcycle club logo, start by ensuring the logo is unique and not already in use by another entity. A thorough search through the official trademarks database of your country, such as the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in the U.S., will help you confirm this.... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Texas on
Q: It`s possible to add a new business activity, specifically fishing and fishing tools, to my existing trademark registrat

Hi! my name is Katerina,

I`m a manager in Rollun LC company, we`re owners of https://trademarks.justia.com/877/11/mototou-87711348.htm

Please let me know, if i want to add another service by classification ( goods for fishing for example) - what would be right and easier to do -... View More

Felicia Altman
Felicia Altman
answered on Feb 26, 2024

If the mark was already filed for a separate class of goods and services, the USPTO requires a new application to be filed to protect against different or new goods and services. If the goods and services fall under a different class of registration it is best to register the mark as a new... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Texas on
Q: It`s possible to add a new business activity, specifically fishing and fishing tools, to my existing trademark registrat

Hi! my name is Katerina,

I`m a manager in Rollun LC company, we`re owners of https://trademarks.justia.com/877/11/mototou-87711348.htm

Please let me know, if i want to add another service by classification ( goods for fishing for example) - what would be right and easier to do -... View More

Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 26, 2024

The USPTO only allows applicants and registrants to delete, restrict, or limit the goods and services included in the original application. You may not add goods or services or expand the breadth of the existing goods and services. For additional goods or services using the registered mark, a new... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for Texas on
Q: It`s possible to add a new business activity, specifically fishing and fishing tools, to my existing trademark registrat

Hi! my name is Katerina,

I`m a manager in Rollun LC company, we`re owners of https://trademarks.justia.com/877/11/mototou-87711348.htm

Please let me know, if i want to add another service by classification ( goods for fishing for example) - what would be right and easier to do -... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 26, 2024

Adding a new business activity, such as fishing and fishing tools, to your existing trademark registration is possible but may require careful consideration. You'll need to assess whether the new activity falls within the scope of your existing trademark and whether it aligns with the goods or... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Texas on
Q: Can I create an illustration for publication that contains 3 characters from a movie or a room from a reality show?

I have written a book and hired an illustrator to create artwork for each chapter. The book is very tongue-in-cheek, and the illustrations are whimsical. One of the chapters is about group resources, such as support groups. There is a movie that has a support group scene, and I was hoping to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

Including characters from a movie or a room from a reality show in your illustrations could potentially infringe on copyright or intellectual property rights, depending on the specific circumstances. While your illustrations may be whimsical and cartoony, if the characters or settings are... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Texas on
Q: A company owe us money( big games LLC) they issue false DMCA notice. Then we issue counter notice( BEspoke Plush LLC).
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

It sounds like you're dealing with a challenging situation with Big Games LLC. When a company issues a false DMCA notice against you, it can indeed be frustrating and concerning. However, it's positive that you took action by issuing a counter notice through Bespoke Plush LLC. This step... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Intellectual Property for Texas on
Q: Intellectual property law for book written while working for a company.

Wrote a book on a topic very relevant to the company where I work. My personal connections made it possible. Roughly half of the time spent on the project was my own personal time, and I've spent a couple thousand dollars on the project that have not been reimbursed. I have kept good written... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 4, 2024

Given your situation, where the work was done partially on your own time and without a specific contract addressing intellectual property rights, you might indeed have leverage in negotiating royalties for your book. The key factors in your favor are the lack of a clear intellectual property... View More

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