If I download a photograph online, print it, put it in a frame and give it to a friend as a gift, is that legal?

This is a violation of the copyright owner's right to make copies. The only way that the owner can enforce its rights is by suing persons or...

In a fictional book I am writing, can I have my main character sing a few lyrics to famous songs to herself throughout the book?

What you describe may be permissible as fair use. But fair use is no magic bullet. Whenever you intend to rely on fair use, there is a very real...

How do I know if this is a trademark/IP violation?

The relevant standard is whether consumers are likely to be confused as to the source of goods or services. For example, would consumers mistakenly...

Do employee pre-invention assignment agreements transfer to spun off separate companies?

This is dependent upon the agreements in place between the parent and the spun-off subsidiary. I would expect that this detail would have been...

I'm looking to get trademark protection for my business name & I'd appreciate some advice

Trademark application filing seems deceptively simple. A few forms on a website, and you have a pending application. There are, however, many...

If an artist paints a picture for an album cover for a band, can the band also sell T-shirts with the picture?

You need to negotiate with the artist to obtain the exact rights that you wish to have. This may cause the artist to demand a higher fee. I...

I created a unique phrase which I print and sell on shirts, I'm wondering if I can protect it with a trademark or copyright?

Copyright protection is typically not available for phrases. You may be able to utilize trademarks to protect your phrase as applied to specific...

Can I get in trouble for printing popular figurines (marvel, pokemon, star wars), with a 3D printer, and then giving them away?

The proposal you describe involves using the intellectual property rights of others without their permission. This is not permissible. Furthermore,...

I agree with attorneys Ivey and Korbin. The license you receive when you buy fabric in this manner is typically limited to personal use. Use in the...

Should provisional patent applications cost less than a non-provisional?

The provisional patent application needs to include a written description that is sufficient to provide support for the claims that you will make...