If I use the name "Nelson Mandela" as part of my on-line leadership development training, do I have trademark exposure in USA?

If you are using this specifically to reference the person or the era of his office, etc. then this in itself is likely not an issue. If,...

Can I reference copywrite materials in my fiction novel?

We see this all the time. Actors in one show making reference to and playing out a short scene from a popular show or film. This does not have to...

Would I get sued if i sang copyrighted songs and had donations?

If the songs are now in the public domain, generally meaning anything published prior to 1924, then this will not be an issue. For anything still...

Is other party infringing my mark if they federally registered but I used it first?

You need proper and specific advice. You are asking the right questions. If they were using their mark continuously from 2005 then they have the...

Can I claim copyright and add the typical legal notice in my works and Kindle eBooks without having to register and buy rights?

Any creative expression will be covered by copyright law automatically. Then you register the work with the US Copyright Office so to perfect your...

As you gleaned from the other fine answers, you really cannot protect a general business concept or idea. Any creative expression where...

Hello, Need help to figure out if my novel would be considered copywrite infringement or cause trademark issues?

It certainly sounds like this could be considered a derivative work, which is copyright infringement so long as your creative expression is...

I wrote a book loosely based on an obscure cartoon from the nineties Can I publish it with fear of infringing?

What you are describing here is a derivative work. This is copyright infringement under the law so long as your creative expression is...

Music and sound recordings are one of those areas where even using a small snippet can be a problem. Before you commit to anything, I suggest...

It is legal to create a customization for Vans shoes?

There is nothing unlawful about the product itself. The problem is that it is for just one brand of shoe and promoting it might lead to a false...