What do I use to check the state copyright status of a pre-1972 aound recording, (publushed/unpublished)?

Great question. State "common law" copyrights have been invoked to protect pre-1972 sound recordings (not preempted by federal law) in litigation...

Functional items, like water bottles, are not protected by copyright, only the non-functional features and only if they are "conceptually...

Can a former business partner claim ownership of my screenplay that has not been paid for or released to him in any way or form?

Check the LLC Operating agreement and the "SAG paperwork" to see if you agreed in writing that the copyright to the screenplay was transferred to...

The requirement of use in interstate commerce to qualify as an "actual use" for federal trademark registration purposes is a use in commerce which...

Short answer: yes. Under the so-called "nominative use" exception to trademark law, you can use trademarks to refer to things, like "I went to...

Should my father be compensated with sales royalties?

As a recording artist (not a composer of the music being performed) the first place to check is the agreement (written, oral or implied) your...

You probably own the copyright to your original designs, (if they are indeed original) but depending how the design is used, you may be violating...

Sound beautiful, but to add a sports logo you need permission, called a "license" from the owner of the logo, because the logo is a trademark and a...

In addition to getting permission from copyright owner of the photo before you use it commercially, and getting permission from the individual(s)...

How does an organization stop a competitor from hijacking its marketing to the same target market?

Sounds like copyright infringement of your advertisements and trademark infringement and unfair competition displaying patches that cause actual...