| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| Burning CDs from downloads | 10/1/2008 |
Q: Since it is expensive to pay shipping to buy CDs from Germany, I have recently paid for and ...
A: Yes, that should be okay. As long as the site states that you are free to make personal copies. I ...
|
| How does one | 9/30/2008 |
Q: ....and what's the difference between a copyright and a trademark? As a hypothetical, let's say ...
A: I can see the image just fine. Now that I see you're talking about Senator Obama, this is a whole ...
|
| Copyright situation for published work as an employee | 9/30/2008 |
Q: A friend of mine is currently employed by an organisation (NGO). Recently her employer published a ...
A: It's really going to come down to the relationship between the employer and employee. This situation ...
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| How does one "copyright" something.... | 9/29/2008 |
Q: ....and what's the difference between a copyright and a trademark? As a hypothetical, let's say ...
A: First, the differences between the two: Copyrights can be obtained for things of an artistic ...
|
| Television trivia games and copyright considerations | 9/28/2008 |
Q: I have developed a trivia board game based upon a television show. Must I get permission from the ...
A: Short answer, yes. Intellectual property rights are extended to the goods and/or services listed ...
|
| Burning CDs from downloads | 9/26/2008 |
Q: Since it is expensive to pay shipping to buy CDs from Germany, I have recently paid for and ...
A: I'd recommend checking the download site's policies. It'll likely be dependent on what rights the ...
|
| Trademark term before mentioning it to biz partner?? | 9/26/2008 |
Q: I came up with a unique term, let's say it's "asdfg." I registered the term with GoDaddy.com and ...
A: First, my apologies for the delay. For some reason I didn't get the notification email for your ...
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| Trademark v. Copyright | 9/22/2008 |
Q: Shannon, I have a unique fitness program and I would like to protect the name, but also the ...
A: You're correct in that there are two issues at play here. I'll offer details for both and that ...
|
| copyright for comic strip characters | 9/4/2008 |
Q: How does one copyright a comic strip character they have created?
A: When it comes to characters, you have 2 options available -- copyrights and trademarks. The ...
|
| re: copyright of my verse added to an original song | 8/27/2008 |
Q: I have added a verse to a well known song, using the same melody as the original song, but ...
A: To conduct a copyright search, go here: ...
|
| Verifying patent pending status | 8/27/2008 |
Q: I have been offered manufacturing and marketing rights to a patent pending item (utility patent). I ...
A: I'd be happy to do some digging for you. Please provide me the application number and/or the ...
|
| Images from old books | 7/15/2008 |
Q: I have a website where I've added some images taken from old "public domain" books. Is this ...
A: Without knowing all of the details, it's hard to say for sure so you may want to run this by an ...
|
| Trademarked Quotes | 7/14/2008 |
Q: I have started a clothing line. And wanted to use a Ralph Emerson Quote as the motto for the ...
A: You've got copyright & trademark issues here; I'll explain both one at a time. Copyrights: For ...
|
| USPTO | 7/8/2008 |
Q: what exactly does this stand for? On Oprah I saw that this was the first step to even research if ...
A: USPTO = United States Patent & Trademark Office. This is the governmental agency where Federal ...
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| Copyright For a Drink | 6/14/2008 |
Q: I have "invented" a special vitamin drink that I would like to market. I would like to protect the ...
A: Recipes are a bit trickier & you may want to consult with a copyright attorney before moving ahead. ...
|
| Copyrighting a song | 6/2/2008 |
Q: How do I copyright a song I made? I have no music accomanying it and its just lyrics I have come up ...
A: My apologies! I can't tell where the questions originate from & since AllExperts is a US-based site, ...
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| Copyrighting a song | 6/2/2008 |
Q: How do I copyright a song I made? I have no music accomanying it and its just lyrics I have come up ...
A: You can do this at the US Copyright Office. The application is fairly simple & the cost is $45 per ...
|
| family photo | 5/22/2008 |
Q: My grandfather had his picture taken in England in 1914, while in his army uniform. Can I have the ...
A: Here's what the Copyright Office has to say about works created before January 1, 1978: "Under the ...
|
| use of newpaper article on a website | 5/22/2008 |
Q: How can you use a newspaper article on a website without infringeing copyright laws?
A: I'd suggest checking the newspaper's site for their intellectual property page or contact them about ...
|
| Trademark Question | 5/22/2008 |
Q: I have to say right off the top that my Trademark Question is a rather general and you might be able ...
A: Is the Australian company offering the same or similar services as you intend to? Are they ...
|
| Patent and Where to go from here? | 5/20/2008 |
Q: I created a product that I really believe will be big. It's a summer product though, and my ...
A: Patenting is pretty complicated & I suggest contacting a patent attorney to guide you through the ...
|
| General Question | 5/15/2008 |
Q: I am not sure if you can answer this question, but am hoping you may at least direct me toward what ...
A: It sounds like you may want to speak either to an intellectual property attorney and/or a licensing ...
|
| newspaper copyright | 5/12/2008 |
Q: If writing a book may I quote a newspaper article?
A: That may fall under fair use. Here's what the US Copyright Office has to say: "Notwithstanding the ...
|
| content usage | 5/8/2008 |
Q: I'm not sure if this question would be in this category but...I would like to play movie trailers on ...
A: It'd be my guess that it's best to contact the movie production companies as they are the ones in ...
|
| Why can't I copyright an idea? | 5/3/2008 |
Q: apparently I can't copyright an idea - it needs some 'expression' according to my friend. What does ...
A: It is not possible to protect ideas but rather the representation of that idea. Protecting those ...
|
| Song Title as Art Piece name? | 4/18/2008 |
Q: Not sure if this is the right place for this question. I want to use song lyrics and titles as some ...
A: It sounds like you've got a couple different issues here. I'll explain both in detail. First, is ...
|
| submitting ID material | 4/13/2008 |
Q: Im having difficulty complying with one particular requirement of form VA which states: "At least ...
A: What is it that you're wanting to submit? Perhaps a call to the US Copyright Office would help. An ...
|
| Confused! lol | 4/4/2008 |
Q: Ok, so here's what allll my confusion is about. I have a graphic with some text as the headline. ...
A: I just received your negative feedback & am a little confused as to why you rated me so poorly. You ...
|
| Second Life Brand Useage | 3/30/2008 |
Q: On March 24 of this year, Second Life, the virtual world created by Linden Lab, announced new rules ...
A: That's a very interesting question. I did a bit of research into filings for Second Life & found ...
|
| Using copywritten material... | 3/17/2008 |
Q: I see that you dont go too much into the legal portion of Copyrights but I am hoping you might be ...
A: Copyright infringement is taken very seriously. While I understand that your intentions may be all ...
|
| Copyrights on Photos | 3/16/2008 |
Q: Does a copyright on a photo ever expire? I have a photo of my daughter 15 years ago in a dance pose ...
A: Here's what the US Copyright Office has to say: "The term of copyright for a particular work ...
|
| about patents | 2/11/2008 |
Q: I recently had an idea for a new invention and I have no idea how to start. My question is: 1) How ...
A: It is not possible to protect ideas but rather the representation of that idea. To protect an ...
|
| Copyright Term in Music | 2/8/2008 |
Q: How can I tell if a song is in the public domain?
A: I found a couple of sites that should help you with this: http://www.unc.edu/~unclng/public-d.htm ...
|
| Logo copyright? | 2/1/2008 |
Q: I have created a logos and slogans for my business. Do I have to copyright those or trademark them? ...
A: Trademarks can be names of products or services, logos, slogans, packaging and even sounds and ...
|
| Copyright characters | 1/25/2008 |
Q: I was wondering how to find out if literary / comic strip characters from the 30s were in the Public ...
A: This is a bit outside of my expertise but I can recommend a few places to look: 1) Check with the ...
|
| When Does Copyright in Photo Expire? | 1/19/2008 |
Q: There are a few photos taken around 1905 I like to use commercially. I found them in a recently ...
A: It'll be determined by a number of factors. Here's what I found from the US Copyright Office: ...
|
| Starting a Panty Line and Don't Know What to Do Next! | 1/17/2008 |
Q: I am just starting up my own underwear line, which features quotes taken from great literature and ...
A: It is not possible to protect ideas but rather the representation of that idea. So, based on your ...
|
| Personal Hygiene Product Idea | 1/9/2008 |
Q: I have an idea for a personal hygiene product. This product is not available at all on the market. I ...
A: It is not possible to protect ideas but rather the representation of that idea. To protect an ...
|
| trademarking | 1/6/2008 |
Q: I was wondering if I wanted to trademark a name for my magazine as well as my company name and logo, ...
A: Trademarks can be names of products or services, logos, slogans, packaging and even sounds and ...
|
| Copyright pertaining to trnaslations | 12/17/2007 |
Q: I wonder if you could clear this for me. If something is copyrighted in one language, and then ...
A: It likely varies from organization to organization but the general rule is: "The copyright in the ...
|
| copyright & patents | 12/12/2007 |
Q: I have a phrase that I intend to put on a tshirt but I don't know how to go about getting a ...
A: I devoted a few posts on our blog to these issues. Please refer to these links for further ...
|
| service | 12/11/2007 |
Q: I can provide a service to a Newspaper - but if I do - they could take my idea and use it themselves
A: It is not possible to protect ideas but rather the representation of that idea. Without further ...
|
| Copyright- book | 12/5/2007 |
Q: I don't know if this is the sort of question you answere. I'm about to publish a book and was ...
A: To register a trademark, that's done either through your Secretary of State for a State trademark or ...
|
| Copyright- book | 12/2/2007 |
Q: I don't know if this is the sort of question you answere. I'm about to publish a book and was ...
A: Here's what the US Copyright Office has to say: "The United States has copyright relations with ...
|
| Using seen phrases on my tee shirts | 11/18/2007 |
Q: ... I am wanting to start producing some tee shirts/ bags/ stickers ect for female hunters. Some ...
A: I've actually devoted a few posts on our blog to these very issues. Rather than copy & paste ...
|
| Trademarks and trade secrets | 11/10/2007 |
Q: What are trademarks and trade secrets as it relates to Intellectual Property? How would I use that ...
A: My apologies for the delay; I've been out of the office for a few days. To protect a business name ...
|
| Trademark Law | 11/10/2007 |
Q: I am currently planning a business venture and a google search found a unrelated company that had ...
A: My apologies for the delay; I've been out of the office for a few days. Without knowing further ...
|
| Patents, Copyrighting, Trademarks, or Trade Secrets | 11/9/2007 |
Q: What's the best way to protect my software as Intellectual Property? Is it through patents, ...
A: My apologies for the delay; I was out of the office for a few days. To protect the name and/or logo ...
|
| protecting work | 11/6/2007 |
Q: I'm an aspiring writer, and I've got a few things I'm going to start sending out. Right now, I'm ...
A: Copyright exists at the moment of creation. Here's what the Copyright Office says: "The way in ...
|
| Training Manuals for Corporations | 10/27/2007 |
Q: I'm an assistant manager for a rather large Automotive Center where cars are fixed. I'm currently ...
A: I'd strongly recommend checking any contract and/or employee handbook available to you. Also ...
|
| US patent | 10/26/2007 |
Q: I am in a Physical Therapy world, orthopedics, and I was wondering, what are the steps to get a ...
A: Patents are an involved process & I recommend contacting a patent attorney. If you'd like a ...
|
| How to protect my new invention - Card Game | 10/25/2007 |
Q: Good Afternoon, My Question is how do I go about protecting my new invention (Card Game). Brief ...
A: Chan, You've got a couple avenues you can explore. I'd also recommend contacting an IP attorney so ...
|
| online article copyright | 10/24/2007 |
Q: I am planning an online based bushiness and would like to put some online articles (copyrighted) ...
A: It'll likely depend on whatever agreements exist with the the source of your online articles. ...
|
| fair use? | 10/22/2007 |
Q: I recognize that you can't answer specific legal questions--but I just was hoping to get as much ...
A: Without knowing specifics it's going to be hard to help but there are a few things for you to keep ...
|
| Obtaining Copyright | 10/21/2007 |
Q: I would like to publish a comic book based on Edgar Rice Burroughs' "A Princess Of Mars" What steps ...
A: You can do this at the US Copyright Office. The application is fairly simple & the cost is $45 per ...
|
| trademark question again... | 10/18/2007 |
Q: Shannon: I am the one who just asked you about using words like "logesis" when some companies have ...
A: That sounds to be okay though I'm still recommending that you double check this with a trademark ...
|
| business name protection? | 10/16/2007 |
Q: In my writing I often use new defiinitions for new words that I "coin." However, other people have ...
A: Based on what you described it sounds like that should be just fine, though it'll likely depend on ...
|
| Artwork Copyright Laws | 10/13/2007 |
Q: My wife purchased a calendar of paintings. She recycles the calendar pages, incorporating them into ...
A: I'd strongly recommend contacting a copyright attorney to be on the safe side. Here's some ...
|
| Hypothetical copyright infringement | 10/4/2007 |
Q: I was at McDonald's today and was wondering, if a person opened a fast food restaurant called ...
A: It's rare with trademarks when you can say that absolutely for sure this or that will happen but ...
|
| should I copyright card game | 9/13/2007 |
Q: I have invented a new card game. I want to have it manufactured and also put on cd. Should I ...
A: I'd suggest contacting an intellectual property attorney. Without knowing further details, it's hard ...
|
| Card Game | 9/4/2007 |
Q: I think I have a card game that the casinos would love. Do I get a copyright or how do I protect ...
A: Here's what the US Copyright Office has to say about games: "Games The idea for a game is not ...
|
| Anonymous Works | 9/3/2007 |
Q: If an author quotes an anonymous poem in a copyrighted book does he automatically become the ...
A: Here's what the US Copyright Office has to say: "Duration of copyright: Works created on or after ...
|
| other protection | 8/15/2007 |
Q: I am something of a brainstormer and have a long list of ideas, of which I suppose 5 or 6 would be ...
A: It is not possible to protect ideas but rather the representation of that idea. Without knowing ...
|
| Patent a game | 8/13/2007 |
Q: I have an idea for a game and would like to know how to go about protecting, and patenting my idea. ...
A: Without knowing further details, I'm going to explain the 3 main arms of intellectual property, ...
|
| using Name used in another country | 7/10/2007 |
Q: I want to start a small business in the U.S. & in Nw Zealand there is a small business w/ the name ...
A: Is the New Zealand business operating in the US at all? If your trade areas do not cross, it ...
|
| obtaining copyright | 7/10/2007 |
Q: i dont know if this on topic. Im an amatuer music producer, i produce electronic music for the soul ...
A: You can do this at the US Copyright Office. The application is fairly simple & the cost is $45 per ...
|
| Copyright Infringement | 7/9/2007 |
Q: Do you know what happens if a copyright is infringed upon? ANSWER: Dear Art, The US Copyright ...
A: Here's what the US Copyright Office has to say: "Under the fair use doctrine of the U.S. copyright ...
|
| PATENT OR LICENCE FR A NEW BEVERAGE | 7/9/2007 |
Q: I HAVE HIGH CHOLESTEROL/TRIGLICERIDES AND THRU MY RESEARCH I MADE UP A BEVERAGE USING ONLY NATURAL ...
A: Typically, recipes are available for copyright protection though depending on the details involved, ...
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| PATENT OR LICENCE FR A NEW BEVERAGE | 7/7/2007 |
Q: I HAVE HIGH CHOLESTEROL/TRIGLICERIDES AND THRU MY RESEARCH I MADE UP A BEVERAGE USING ONLY NATURAL ...
A: NOLO is a great, free informational site. Also, be sure to read what the USPTO (United States Patent ...
|
| Copyright Infringement | 7/6/2007 |
Q: Do you know what happens if a copyright is infringed upon?
A: The US Copyright Office has an informative page about this very issue. Here's the link: ...
|
| clipart violation | 6/27/2007 |
Q: Over the years I have purchased several clipart cds. I am not interested in selling, trading or ...
A: How you use the clip art is likely to vary from one collection to the next. I'd suggest reading the ...
|
| Patent attorney | 6/26/2007 |
Q: I was wondering on average do you know about what a patent attorney charges per hour. I have an in ...
A: Patent attorneys seem to typically charge $200-$300/hour. Here are some handy links that may help ...
|
| Copyright Law | 6/21/2007 |
Q: How would I go about aquiring the right to an old movie that is in public domain or how can I ...
A: Here's what the US Copyright Office has to say about works in the public domain: "The public domain ...
|
| re: selling replicas online | 6/19/2007 |
Q: I am inquiring about the legality of selling designer brand replica handbags if you explicitly state ...
A: While you're calling them "replicas," it'd be my guess that those designers would see them as ...
|
| Copyright Expiration | 6/13/2007 |
Q: Does a copyright expire with the passage of time and will the copyright item pass to the publc ...
A: Book titles are a bit different. Lloyd L. Rich has written a great article on this subject: ...
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| Copyright Expiration | 6/12/2007 |
Q: Does a copyright expire with the passage of time and will the copyright item pass to the publc ...
A: Here's what the US Copyright Office has to say: "Works Originally Created on or after January 1, ...
|
| copyright/internet selling | 4/30/2007 |
Q: I own a small business. I sell handmade products (all made by me) on the internet. Jewelry, cards, ...
A: Yes, a copyright "exists from the moment a work is created." Here's what the US Copyright Office ...
|
| copyright/internet selling | 4/28/2007 |
Q: I own a small business. I sell handmade products (all made by me) on the internet. Jewelry, cards, ...
A: Yes, a copyright "exists from the moment a work is created." However, filing for copyright ...
|
| image copyright | 4/25/2007 |
Q: I would like to ask a question. Does the subject of a photograph (a person) have a share in the ...
A: I found a great site that addresses this very issue: ...
|
| Quoting copyright material | 4/20/2007 |
Q: I hope this falls within your field of expertise; can't find anywhere where it seems to fit. I'd ...
A: Unfortunately, intellectual property law is never cut & dry or the same for every situation. That ...
|
| Created a new product, what do I do first? | 3/29/2007 |
Q: I have an idea for a new product that would benefit alot of people, what is the first step I should ...
A: Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, ...
|
| Obtaining a patent and licensing | 3/28/2007 |
Q: 1. What steps should I go through if I want to get a patent for a medical technology that I ...
A: I've got information on both for you: ********************************************************** ...
|
| Copyrighting material?? | 3/27/2007 |
Q: I am an American living in Kuwait. Over here I don't think there is anything that is copyrighted. I ...
A: I am not familiar with the copyright procedure for Kuwait. Here's info for the US: Copyrights can ...
|
| Cover Songs? | 3/26/2007 |
Q: How do bands get away with publicly performing copyrighted cover songs? Isn't that a violation of ...
A: Technically, a license should be obtained for the right to perform cover songs. Here's a great ...
|
| copyright vs trademark | 3/21/2007 |
Q: Can you tell me what is better, a copyright or a trademark? I have developed a unique website and ...
A: Copyrights can be obtained for things of an artistic nature. This includes, of course, poetry, ...
|
| Disney? | 3/18/2007 |
Q: I am trying to figure out how many patents and other IP protections the Walt Disney company holds in ...
A: You can search patent records here: http://www.uspto.gov/patft/index.html This site may assist you ...
|
| music copyright laws | 3/17/2007 |
Q: Wondering about using songs as background music on a photography business website & also on DVD ...
A: You'll want to contact the copyright owner. To search the copyright records for a particular title, ...
|
| Copyrights and Images | 2/12/2007 |
Q: If someone has posted my images on their site, (they are copyrighted), what do I do? Thanks, Kajsa
A: I'd recommend contacting a copyright attorney about your next course of action. If you feel another ...
|
| Copyright Protection for an idea? | 2/11/2007 |
Q: Please can you help me. I have an idea which I believe to be original. It is based around a ...
A: It is not possible to protect ideas but rather the representation of that idea. If you are using a ...
|
| Is this Legal or a Copyright Violation? | 2/10/2007 |
Q: I printed a photo off the internet - within the terms of use. I'm sending it off to China so an ...
A: I'd check with the terms of use where you obtained the photograph. You'll want to see what sort of ...
|
| Copyright Question | 2/9/2007 |
Q: If I want to use a photograph copied form one Internet site and to use it at another different ...
A: It's going to depend on what the terms of use are for the site you're obtaining the photograph from. ...
|
| copyright regarding photography | 2/4/2007 |
Q: .. excuse me if this is not your field. i'm interested in learning the legal status / copyright ...
A: Only the owner of the copyright may alter the work. Here's what the US Copyright Office has to say ...
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| PATENT AN IDEA/PROPDUCT | 2/1/2007 |
Q: great thanks i am in the uk so does all this information still apply. thankyou
A: Hi there! Oh, sorry, I didn't realize you were in the UK. The associations should be okay & perhaps ...
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| Copyright | 1/17/2007 |
Q: I have made many designs for hats and cloths, some I have had made, I was wondering what I would ...
A: You wouldn't copyright it. Copyrights can be obtained for things of an artistic nature. This ...
|
| conference and copyright | 1/13/2007 |
Q: I am a lecturer at Thames Valley University and have created a specialised academic conference for a ...
A: It sounds as you may have two separate issues happening here so let's tackle them one at a time. It ...
|
| Copyright Law | 1/10/2007 |
Q: I have a copyright question. While employed, I authored (on my own time) two continuing education ...
A: You're asking a specific legal question, which, unfortunately, I cannot answer. I'd be happy to ...
|
| Copyrights for quotes | 1/3/2007 |
Q: I have a list of quotes and sayings that I personally came up with that I would like to have printed ...
A: That is correct - a slogan, a name, a logo, etc. that's used to identify a particular product or ...
|
| alcoholic drink recipe | 1/2/2007 |
Q: I prepare a drink mixing rum and liquor and I think it would be a good idea to bottle this mixture. ...
A: While it is possible to copyright recipes, I suggest reading further prior to doing so: ...
|
| Copyrights for quotes | 12/29/2006 |
Q: I have a list of quotes and sayings that I personally came up with that I would like to have printed ...
A: You wouldn't copyright it. Copyrights can be obtained for things of an artistic nature. This ...
|
| Patenting a new game | 12/26/2006 |
Q: My name is Frank Smith and I'm currently working on a new type of game, but wondered how I might ...
A: My apologies for not getting back to you sooner. I was on vacation & just got back today. Without ...
|
| Question - Seeking investor. | 12/19/2006 |
Q: I have an idea for a business and I am seeking an investor. My question is how should I go about ...
A: It's not possible to protect ideas but rather the representation of that idea. For instance, if you ...
|
| patent or copy right our logo | 12/2/2006 |
Q: I recently formed a mortgage and real estate corporation with 2 partners. We spent a substantial ...
A: Darryl, Thank you so much for the kinds words & votes! I look forward to assisting you further! ...
|
| Educational Fair Use | 11/19/2006 |
Q: I've noticed marching bands in our area releasing Music CD's of their half time performances that ...
A: Without knowing full details, it's hard to say if this is an infringement or not. If the marching ...
|
| How to get recipe for mixed cocktail patented? | 10/22/2006 |
Q: My family runs a store and have been selling cocktails made with our own twist on traditional ...
A: That would actually be a copyright and a trademark issue. Let's tackle one at a time. To protect ...
|
| research | 10/21/2006 |
Q: Is there a website where I can check if my idea has already been invented or patented?
A: It is not possible to protect ideas but rather the representation of that idea. To protect an ...
|
| Photo Copyright | 10/15/2006 |
Q: I hope this is the right category for my question. I want to know general info about copyright in ...
A: That's a great question & honestly, one I didn't know the answer to offhand. So I did some research ...
|
| Using existing contracts | 10/10/2006 |
Q: I found a number of very useful partnership agreements at this website: ...
A: I reviewed the main site & here's what I found: "The content on this web site is for your personal ...
|
| Does USPTO check the safety of food patents? | 9/27/2006 |
Q: I was approached by a person selling a nutritional/herbal supplement (Reliv), the kind you mix with ...
A: I do not know offhand but do have some links that should assist you further. I hope this helps! ...
|
| Curriculum design | 9/24/2006 |
Q: I design curriculums for independent medical colleges. How do I copy right my materials to protect ...
A: You can do this at the US Copyright Office – see the last 2 links below. The application is fairly ...
|
| Use of Historical Photos/Images | 9/7/2006 |
Q: My sister and I are developing educational materials that will require the use of images of ...
A: Here's what the Library of Congress has to say about this matter: "As a publicly supported ...
|
