11 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
11 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Can a person sue you for intellectual property if the design is not copyrighted?

by HyperVyper
8 replies
  • OFF TOPIC
    • |
Can a person sue you for intellectual property if the design is not copyrighted?

Let's say I post a unique shirt design (without copyright), and another person tried to sell same design with different colors, can that person be sued if both people are living in the US?
  • Profile picture of the author SteveJohnson
    If you are a resident of the US, your intellectual property is already protected by copyright.

    Enforcing it is another matter entirely. You need to contact an attorney who specializes in intellectual property.
    Signature

    The 2nd Amendment, 1789 - The Original Homeland Security.

    Gun control means never having to say, "I missed you."

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10053945].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author whateverpedia
      Originally Posted by SteveJohnson View Post

      If you are a resident of the US, your intellectual property is already protected by copyright.
      It's not just the US, it's all countries that are signatories to the various copyright conventions, Your work is automatically covered at the moment of creation pretty much all over the world.

      Further info - List of parties to international copyright agreements - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
      Signature
      Why do garden gnomes smell so bad?
      So that blind people can hate them as well.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10054129].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    What's legal doesn't always stop lawsuits. If this is something you made, find a way to get it at least recognizable as your own design. Writing is easy with the public notary/mail to self and leave it unopened - not foolproof but helps identify the date you had the material by.

    If it's someone else's idea you are using..............stop it. Do your own work or pay for someone else's. Be respectable.
    Signature

    Sal
    When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
    Beyond the Path

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10055155].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    MOST intellectual property ISN'T copyrighted, and the biggest lawsuits occur with it.

    Steve
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10055460].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author yukon
    Banned
    Forum legal advice - priceless.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10055673].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Floyd Fisher
    Originally Posted by HyperVyper View Post

    Can a person sue you for intellectual property if the design is not copyrighted?

    Let's say I post a unique shirt design (without copyright), and another person tried to sell same design with different colors, can that person be sued if both people are living in the US?


    More than likely, they can be sued.


    Would take your particular case to a lawyer in your area, and see what they say to make sure.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10057545].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author BigFrank
      Banned
      Originally Posted by Floyd Fisher View Post

      Would take your particular case to a lawyer in your area, and see what they say to make sure.
      I know exactly what the lawyer will say. "Did you bring your Vaseline, with you?"

      Cheers. - Frank
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10058749].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Floyd Fisher
        Originally Posted by BigFrank View Post

        I know exactly what the lawyer will say. "Did you bring your Vaseline, with you?"

        Cheers. - Frank


        He's checking to see if he has a case...not how much blood they will require.


        "I fully expect all lawyers to be in their coffins at sunup"
        -F. Ross Johnson, former CEO of RJR Nabisco


        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10058827].message }}

Trending Topics