Tag: Zamani Thomas

Rules and Regulations of NIL

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If you’re a college athlete, you may have heard the term NIL (name, image, and likeness) thrown around a lot lately. It refers to the ability of college athletes to profit from their own name, image, and likeness. However, the rules and regulations surrounding NIL can be a bit confusing. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about NIL.

  1. What is NIL?

NIL stands for name, image, and likeness. It refers to the ability of college athletes to profit from their own name, image, and likeness. This means that if you’re a college athlete, you can make money by selling autographs, promoting products on social media, or appearing in advertisements, among other things.

  1. Who can take advantage of NIL?

As of July 1, 2021, all college athletes can take advantage of NIL. This includes athletes in all sports, regardless of whether they play at a Division I, Division II, or Division III school.

  1. What are the rules surrounding NIL?

There are a few key rules and regulations surrounding NIL that you need to be aware of:

  • You cannot receive compensation for athletic performance. This means that you cannot be paid to play your sport or to win games.
  • You cannot enter into NIL agreements that conflict with your school’s existing contracts. For example, if your school has an apparel contract with Nike, you cannot enter into an NIL agreement with Adidas.
  • You must disclose all NIL agreements to your school. This includes providing your school with a copy of the agreement and any compensation you receive.
  • You cannot use your school’s logos or trademarks in your NIL activities. This means that you cannot use your school’s name, logo, or mascot in your social media posts or advertisements.
  • You cannot use your school’s facilities or equipment in your NIL activities. This means that you cannot use your school’s weight room or practice field to film a commercial or photoshoot.
  1. How can you take advantage of NIL?

If you’re a college athlete looking to take advantage of NIL, there are a few steps you should take:

  • Educate yourself on the rules and regulations surrounding NIL. Make sure you understand what you can and cannot do.
  • Build your personal brand. This means creating a strong social media presence and cultivating relationships with brands and businesses that align with your values and interests.
  • Seek out NIL opportunities. Look for brands and businesses that are interested in working with college athletes and reach out to them directly.
  • Disclose all NIL agreements to your school. Make sure you provide your school with a copy of the agreement and any compensation you receive.

In conclusion, NIL provides a new and exciting opportunity for college athletes to profit from their own name, image, and likeness. However, it’s important to be aware of the rules and regulations surrounding NIL and to make sure you’re following them closely. By educating yourself, building your personal brand, and seeking out NIL opportunities, you can take advantage of this new landscape and potentially earn some extra income as a college athlete.

Disclaimer

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS WEBSITE IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY MATTER.

The transmission and receipt of information contained on this Web site, in whole or in part, or communication with Zamani Thomas PA via the Internet or e-mail through this website does not constitute or create a lawyer-client relationship between us and any recipient. You should not send us any confidential information in response to this web-page. Such responses will not create a lawyer-client relationship, and whatever you disclose to us will not be privileged or confidential unless we have agreed to act as your legal counsel and you have executed a written engagement agreement with Zamani Thomas PA. The material on this website may not reflect the most current legal developments. The content and interpretation of the law addressed herein is subject to revision. We disclaim all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all the contents of this site to the fullest extent permitted by law. Do not act or refrain from acting upon this information without seeking professional legal counsel.

IP differences between NFTs and Traditional Art

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When it comes to the legal issues surrounding intellectual property (IP), there are many similarities between non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and traditional art. However, there are also some key differences that you need to be aware of if you are buying, selling or creating either.

  1. Ownership and Copyright

In both cases, the owner of the artwork owns the copyright, which gives them exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and display the work. However, with NFTs, the ownership of the digital artwork is recorded on a blockchain, which can make it easier to prove ownership and track any transactions related to it.

  1. Licensing

Both traditional art and NFTs can be licensed to others for reproduction or display. However, the terms of the license should be clearly stated and agreed upon by both parties to avoid any disputes later on.

  1. Fair Use

Fair use is a legal doctrine that allows for the use of copyrighted material without permission in certain circumstances, such as for criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. However, the boundaries of fair use can be complex, and it is important to seek legal advice if you are unsure whether your use of a work falls under fair use or not.

  1. Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the act of passing off someone else’s work as your own. This is a serious issue in both traditional art and NFTs, and can lead to legal action being taken against the plagiarizer.

  1. Contracts

Contracts are an important tool in both traditional art and NFTs. They should be used to clearly outline the terms of any transaction or license, including the rights and responsibilities of each party. It is important to have a lawyer review any contracts to ensure that they are legally sound and protect your interests.

In conclusion, while there are many similarities between the intellectual property legal issues of traditional art and NFTs, there are also some key differences that you need to be aware of. By understanding these issues and seeking legal advice when necessary, you can protect your rights and interests when dealing with both traditional art and NFTs.

Disclaimer

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS WEBSITE IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY MATTER.

The transmission and receipt of information contained on this Web site, in whole or in part, or communication with Zamani Thomas PA via the Internet or e-mail through this website does not constitute or create a lawyer-client relationship between us and any recipient. You should not send us any confidential information in response to this web-page. Such responses will not create a lawyer-client relationship, and whatever you disclose to us will not be privileged or confidential unless we have agreed to act as your legal counsel and you have executed a written engagement agreement with Zamani Thomas PA. The material on this website may not reflect the most current legal developments. The content and interpretation of the law addressed herein is subject to revision. We disclaim all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all the contents of this site to the fullest extent permitted by law. Do not act or refrain from acting upon this information without seeking professional legal counsel.

The importance of IP protection in the Crypto World

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If you’re involved in the world of cryptocurrencies, you likely know how important it is to protect your digital assets. But what about your intellectual property? In this article, we’ll explore the significance of intellectual property protection in the crypto space and provide practical advice on how to safeguard your creations.

What is intellectual property?

First, let’s define intellectual property. It refers to intangible assets that are created by human ingenuity, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, and names. Intellectual property can be protected through legal means, such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. These protections are designed to give the creators of intellectual property the exclusive right to use, distribute, and profit from their creations.

Why is intellectual property protection important in the crypto space?

The crypto space is a hotbed of innovation, with developers creating new and exciting products every day. However, this innovation also creates a need for intellectual property protection. Here are some reasons why:

  1. Crypto products are easily replicable: Digital assets are easily copied and replicated, which means that without proper protections, your innovations can be stolen and profited from by others.
  2. The crypto space is largely unregulated: The lack of regulatory oversight in the crypto space means that intellectual property theft can go unpunished. Without legal protections in place, there is little recourse for those whose intellectual property has been stolen.
  3. Intellectual property is often the key to success: In the highly competitive crypto space, intellectual property can be the difference between success and failure. Protecting your creations can give you a competitive edge and help you stand out from the crowd.

How to protect your intellectual property in the crypto space

Now that we’ve established the importance of intellectual property protection in the crypto space, let’s look at some practical steps you can take to safeguard your creations.

  1. Register your intellectual property: The first step is to register your intellectual property with the appropriate authorities. This might include patents for inventions, trademarks for logos and names, and copyrights for literary and artistic works.
  2. Use open source licenses: If you’re developing open source software, consider using a license that protects your intellectual property. There are many open source licenses available, such as the MIT License or the Apache License, that allow you to share your code while still retaining some control over how it is used.
  3. Monitor for infringement: Keep an eye out for intellectual property infringement in the crypto space. This might include monitoring social media, forums, and other online platforms for unauthorized use of your creations.
  4. Enforce your rights: If you do discover infringement, take action to enforce your rights. This might include sending cease and desist letters or taking legal action against the infringing party.

In conclusion, Intellectual property protection is crucial in the crypto space. Without it, your innovations can be easily stolen and profited from by others. By taking steps to register, license, monitor, and enforce your intellectual property rights, you can safeguard your creations and give yourself a competitive edge in the fast-moving world of cryptocurrencies.

Disclaimer

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS WEBSITE IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY MATTER.

The transmission and receipt of information contained on this Web site, in whole or in part, or communication with Zamani Thomas PA via the Internet or e-mail through this website does not constitute or create a lawyer-client relationship between us and any recipient. You should not send us any confidential information in response to this web-page. Such responses will not create a lawyer-client relationship, and whatever you disclose to us will not be privileged or confidential unless we have agreed to act as your legal counsel and you have executed a written engagement agreement with Zamani Thomas PA. The material on this website may not reflect the most current legal developments. The content and interpretation of the law addressed herein is subject to revision. We disclaim all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all the contents of this site to the fullest extent permitted by law. Do not act or refrain from acting upon this information without seeking professional legal counsel.

How to (possibly) overcome a Likelihood of Confusion Trademark application refusal

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Are you struggling with a Likelihood of Confusion Office Action from the USPTO? Don’t worry – with the right approach, you can overcome this obstacle and secure your trademark registration. Here are some steps you can take to respond to a Likelihood of Confusion Office Action:

  1. Understand the issue: First and foremost, it’s essential to understand what the issue is and why the USPTO has raised a Likelihood of Confusion Office Action against your trademark. You should review your application and the cited mark that the examiner has identified as potentially conflicting. This will help you to identify the specific reasons why the examiner believes there may be a likelihood of confusion.
  2. Analyze the marks: Once you’ve identified the specific issues, you need to analyze the marks and identify the similarities and differences between them. This will help you to determine whether the examiner’s concerns are valid or not.
  3. Determine the scope of protection: Next, you need to determine the scope of protection for your mark and the cited mark. This involves analyzing the goods and services associated with each mark and determining the degree of similarity or overlap.
  4. Develop a response strategy: Based on your analysis, you can then develop a response strategy. This may involve amending your trademark application, submitting evidence of acquired distinctiveness, or arguing that there is no likelihood of confusion. You may also consider negotiating a coexistence agreement with the owner of the cited mark.
  5. Submit a response: Once you’ve developed your response strategy, it’s time to submit your response to the USPTO. Be sure to include a clear and concise argument that addresses the examiner’s concerns and provides evidence to support your position.

Remember, the key to overcoming a Likelihood of Confusion Office Action is to be proactive, thorough, and strategic in your response. By taking the time to understand the issues, analyze the marks, and develop a response strategy, you can increase your chances of securing your trademark registration.

Disclaimer

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS WEBSITE IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY MATTER.

The transmission and receipt of information contained on this Web site, in whole or in part, or communication with Zamani Thomas PA via the Internet or e-mail through this website does not constitute or create a lawyer-client relationship between us and any recipient. You should not send us any confidential information in response to this web-page. Such responses will not create a lawyer-client relationship, and whatever you disclose to us will not be privileged or confidential unless we have agreed to act as your legal counsel and you have executed a written engagement agreement with Zamani Thomas PA. The material on this website may not reflect the most current legal developments. The content and interpretation of the law addressed herein is subject to revision. We disclaim all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all the contents of this site to the fullest extent permitted by law. Do not act or refrain from acting upon this information without seeking professional legal counsel.

Why Creatives should Trademark their Brands?

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Artists invest a lot of time, effort, and resources into building their brand, which sets them apart from others and makes them recognizable to their fans and customers. Trademarking is important for artists because it:

Provides legal protection: Trademarks provide legal protection to the owners of brands and products by preventing others from using the same or similar marks in a way that may cause confusion or deception among consumers.

Establishes identity: Trademarks help artists establish their unique identity and build a loyal following of fans and customers.

Prevents infringement and dilution: Unauthorized use of an artist’s trademark can result in brand dilution, which occurs when the mark loses its distinctiveness and becomes associated with a wider range of products or services. Trademarks prevent infringement and dilution of an artist’s brand.

Provides stronger legal protection: Registered trademarks are afforded stronger legal protection than unregistered marks and can be enforced through legal action in case of infringement.

Provides international protection: Trademark registration provides artists with a means of international protection, which is particularly important for artists who operate in multiple countries or sell their products online.

Helps control the use of the mark: Licensing agreements can provide artists with an additional revenue stream and help control the use of their mark.

Overall, trademarking is crucial for artists who want to establish and maintain a strong.

Disclaimer

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS WEBSITE IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY MATTER.

The transmission and receipt of information contained on this Web site, in whole or in part, or communication with Zamani Thomas PA via the Internet or e-mail through this website does not constitute or create a lawyer-client relationship between us and any recipient. You should not send us any confidential information in response to this web-page. Such responses will not create a lawyer-client relationship, and whatever you disclose to us will not be privileged or confidential unless we have agreed to act as your legal counsel and you have executed a written engagement agreement with Zamani Thomas PA. The material on this website may not reflect the most current legal developments. The content and interpretation of the law addressed herein is subject to revision. We disclaim all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all the contents of this site to the fullest extent permitted by law. Do not act or refrain from acting upon this information without seeking professional legal counsel.

Steps to a Successful Trademark Filing

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5 Steps to a successful filing

In this article I am going to try to outline 5 steps that will give you the best chance at a successful trademark filing with the United States Trademark & Patent Office (USPTO).

1. Make Sure you are the first to file your “mark” (or something too similar)

Be sure when you are ready to file your trademark, you are using and filing a “mark” that is not already taken or is not “confusingly similar” to anther mark already registered. The search feature on the USPTO website allows for individuals see all the marks that have been filed and also what “class” they have been filed under.

It is in your best interest to perform an exhaustive search on your proposed “mark” because once filed, you will not be able to receive a refund if rejected by the examiner.

2. Be sure that the Trademark you select is “Protect-able”

The second thing anyone looking to file a Trademark must understand is that not all words or phrases are eligible to be protected.  Below is a list of characteristics that may determine the success of a filing and strength of the potential trademark, from weakest to strongest.

  • Generic words may not be protected.
  • Descriptive words are only allowed to be protected once they have attained a secondary meaning.
  • Suggestive words are protect-able if they still identify the good/service. (ex Twitter)
  • Arbitrary words have a high level of protection (ex. Apple)
  • Fanciful or made up words are afforded the greatest scope of protection. (ex. Kodak)

The more similar your trademark is to other trademarks on the market, the less identifying strength it is going to have. 

3. File your Trademark earlier rather than later

Although your “common law” trademark rights arise automatically, you should still look to file your “mark” with the USPTO ASAP to secure exclusivity nationwide and to create constructive notice to all future applicants looking to file your “mark’ or something “confusingly similar”.  By filing it early, you become first in time and are at the front of the line with respect to that “mark”.
If you have not started using the “mark” in public yet, you can file an “Intent to Use” registration application as soon as you develop a bonafide intent to your new name or logo in commerce.

4. Once Registered, the work starts

After you have filed and received a successful registration of your trademark, you must stay vigilant and continue to monitor potential individuals infringing on your intellectual property.  Failure to adequately enforce your trademark rights can result in both (i) degradation of the brand, and (ii) potentially loss of exclusive rights altogether. If you decide to expand your business internationally, you will need to file separate trademark protections in foreign jurisdictions.

5. Protecting your Trademark gets more important as you grow

As your company grows you will probably have more items and or services under the initial Trademark umbrella that may need protecting. 

Be sure to keep your intellectual property protected at all times.  The best way to do this is by filing new trademarks following the steps above, each time you roll our a new product or service. Further, if you create new goods or services and keep them under the existing trademark, you may run into problems with clearance in the new market. If your brand changes over time, new registration applications may be necessary in order to protect modified versions of your trademarks.

Protecting your Intellectual Property will pay dividends in the future and is a critical element in making sure your company or ideas have the best chance of being successful. 

Disclaimer

The information contained in this website is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any matter.

The transmission and receipt of information contained on this Web site, in whole or in part, or communication with Zamani Thomas PA via the Internet or e-mail through this website does not constitute or create a lawyer-client relationship between us and any recipient. You should not send us any confidential information in response to this web-page. Such responses will not create a lawyer-client relationship, and whatever you disclose to us will not be privileged or confidential unless we have agreed to act as your legal counsel and you have executed a written engagement agreement with Zamani Thomas PA. The material on this website may not reflect the most current legal developments. The content and interpretation of the law addressed herein is subject to revision. We disclaim all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all the contents of this site to the fullest extent permitted by law. Do not act or refrain from acting upon this information without seeking professional legal counsel.