As with all questions, the answer is "it depends." Where were you and what were the circumstances? Were you at a wedding? A public place? or was...

Do I need permission to display life size comic book characters in my store for patrons to take a picture with for promotion ?

Generally, the book publishers and film distributors will have these cut-outs available for use. Contact them and ask for Point of Sale materials....

I can tell you right now - if you're even thinking of including the Disney logo, they already read your mind and have a cease and desist letter...

Can a professional photographer use my minor daughters photo for a frame company without a model release ?

You might go back and look at any documents that you may have signed when you did the photography session. The devil is in the details and you may...

The studios own all the copyright to the films and programs, including any still images taken from those productions. If you use any of those...

Will I get into legal trademark issues on selling cartoon character themed products?

Count on legal trouble. You plan on selling the products with the images, so your use will be commercial. . I started my law career working for...

If I change a disney characters ethnicity & outfit to something totally different is this transformative use & therefore legal?

First is the question - are you planning to sell the clothing? I am assuming you are, and therefore, you will be making commercial use of the...

Can a company claim trademark to the silhouette image of the great lakes?

Based on the information in the actual registration file online, it appears that these people are pushing it by attacking you. They may have some...

What if someone uses your characters and settings from your story to write their own?

It sounds like you do have a copyright infringement claim. While you cannot protect ideas, generally, the fact that you say she copied your...

The NFL owns the trademarks for all of the teams - it is their property. You may not use it commercially without their express authorization....