What are the chances of prevailing in a patent infringement issue if the maintenance fee to your patent has not been paid but,

It depends on when the fee was due. There may be no loss of rights or there may be "intervening rights". So, you need to pay at once if you want to...

I have come up with character names that I want to have exclusive rights to. What is the best way to do this without a story?

Register them as trademarks for associated products, e.g. clothing, mugs, jewelry, posters, etc. - which would require actually using them on such....

Yes, as my colleagues have noted. You need licenses if you are in California. If you are in another state, check there.

Trademark issue

Yes. I can help you. You need to hire a trademark attorney and clear the name before using or registering. Trademarks are territorial so use of the...

I have a patent infringement issue. IT appears that someone is infringing on my father's patent.What is the solution?

I suggest that you have YOUR FATHER contact an IP lawyer directly, specifically a patent infringement litigator, since if he owns the patent he...

Years ago I wrote a song, found out someone is selling it on a compilation album. How do I collect my royalties?

I think you should see a Calif. entertainment attorney first. Tell him you found him (or her) on Avvo and understand you get a discounted initial...

If I'm paid as a painter to paint specific cartoon or super hero characters for a client is that infringement?

Of course there's a problem. Copyright infringement, trademark infringement, trade dress infringement, unfair competition for starters. And that's...

Is it infringement?

This is a repeat question. Wow, you're really eager to push for Bartolo Colon! Let's see how he does Friday against the Cards!

Is it infringement?

Jeremy from Cambridge, MN: That is perilous to do. It likely infringes trade dress of the Oakland A's. I don't see how you are going to copy...

How different does an idea have to be from an existing patent in order to receive another patent?

Well, it seems you do not understand the concept of improvement patents, dominating patents or subservient patents. That means you need a patent...