Is it legal for people to post photos of you or an event you hosted with out your permission on the internet?: Hello, I was recently married, and as you would expect had many photos taken of me and the people in attendance. One person who attended the wedding had posed a large number of these (100+) on both myspace and facebook. I am rather uncomfortable with this many photos floating around of my wedding. Some of them are of this persons family who attended, as well as my self, new wife, etc. I have asked that they take them down, but doubt they will. Is there anything I can do?
Matthew's answer: The individual who took the photographs has a copyright on the photos. However, if the photographer takes pictures of an individual without their permission, that person's right to privacy has been violated. There are legal actions you can take, starting with sending them a cease and desist letter. If they still do not comply, then you can file a civil suit for violation of privacy rights and seek an injunction (i.e. a court order requiring that the photographer take the pictures down).
My adult son was a victim of a violent crime. The people were never caught. He filed a police report. Hospital bills are huge.: After being dropped off at a hospital by the police he had a full work-up: CT scan, MRI of the brain, closure of a facial laceration and x-rays. He was observed for less than 24 hours, then released. He has health insurance and has been paying the parts his insurance company does not. I was thinking that I've heard of organizations that help with victims of violent crimes, maybe working with the hospital on the fees that were charged. People don't realize that even with insurance there are separate fees for: the ER doctor, the facility fee (ER visit), MRI, CT and x-ray fees (all separate) and finally the radiologist to read the films that were taken and they all bill separately. Are hospitals required to work with you on situations like this? There's no way he can pay what they want.
Matthew's answer: In addition to what was already stated, which is all very good advice, I would highly suggest contacting a Nevada attorney if you know who the assailants are. In addition to criminal restitution, a civil suit may be an avenue you want to pursue (assuming the assailants have sufficient assets to go after).
Can a license for technology be sold as "exclusive" when another company already owns a non-exclusive license in that territory?: I purchased an exclusive marketing license, for three patents, for specific countries. The seller, who is now almost broke, warranted that he had the right to do that. Six months later, I found out he had previously sold a non-exclusive license to another company. Since I don't want to sue a seller with no money, I will accept that I have an exclusive license but I must permit the non-exclusive license holder to operate. My posiiton is that my exclusive license simply stops anymore licensees from coming into this territory and I acknowledge to any sublicensees of mine that that company has the freedom to operate. I went out on a limb to purchase this license and I can't afford a legal battle from those who say my license is not valid. Help.
Matthew's answer: I agree whole-heartedly with Mr. Dryer's response. I would like to add one additional element to consider. Even if the company who licensed you the product has no money, it may be worth your time to consult an attorney. There is a possibility that the company abused its corporate privilege and that the members/shareholders are personally liable to you for any damages arising out of their licensing misrepresentations. In other words, just because the company is broke does not mean that you are out of alternatives to recover on a judgment. DISCLAIMER: THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE. PLEASE CONSULT A LICENSED ATTORNEY IMMEDIATELY TO PROTECT ANY RIGHTS YOU MAY HAVE IN THE DISPUTE.