What to do about rights to a logo and an unregistered organization?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
What to do about rights to a logo and an unregistered organization?
A logo and non-profit “organization” was created in Afghanistan but never registered anywhere. I have since started a website for the people that designed the logo and “unofficial” organization they started. I now want to copyright the logo and register the business as a non-profit in my name in the USA. Could the people who came up with the idea take any legal action against me if I do this? Mind you, there was never a plan to make this “legal” by the founders.
Asked on April 29, 2011 under Business Law, Illinois
Answers:
MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
You should absolutely at this point consult with an experienced international copyright and trademark attorney because the laws federally, internationally, along with any U.N. agreements of member countries and of course any state laws may impede on your plans. Itsounds like the idea is something others came up with but you created the actual image. If this is the case and this unofficial organization is not internationally known or known by Afhgani's in your state, then you may have a winning position wherein you enjoy the benefit of copyright but ensure you also (if your lawyer agrees and advises it) begin copyrighting the same throughout the world to protect your interests.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.