Non-Disclosure Prior Knowledge Exception

I own a software development business and am a programmer myself. From time to time, when meeting with a potential client about a software application they would like to create, I am asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement. Sometimes there are portions of their technology that I have developed myself, years before meeting with them. It is possible that our two companies never end up working together or work for a period of time and then are not under contract with each other. The problem I fear is that I they might sue for breach of the non-disclosure agreement if I pursue future projects that may incorporate ''confidential information'' that we have shared - even though I had prior knowledge of the technology before ever working with them.

What is the best method for me to document and time-stamp all of my software knowledge so that I could defend myself if needed? I have looked into filing all of my code, documentation, and web-site text with the U.S. copyright office. However, I saw there that the information then becomes public knowledge. Would the public be able to see my computer code?

Unknowing sold counterfeit items

I bought about 40 NFL jerseys from a website who advertised and swore to me that they were authentic and I have documentation to prove that. I sold them on Ebay over a 12 day period. I was then served with a ''cease and desist'' order from the lawyers for Adidas/Reebok. They demanded that I stop, sign a paper saying that ''I sold illegal merchandise'' and pay them $450. I responded with a letter explaining to them what happened and told them where I got the items and that it was an honest mistake and gave them plenty of proof. There was obviously no criminal intent and this was an anomaly. I had no clue about jerseys and believed the merchant. They responded by demanding that I sign their statement and pay them. I don't mind paying, but I don't want to sign a statement saying I committed a crime because I never knowingly sold anything illegal. Am I liable even though the person who sold them to me claimed they were authentic? If I sign that statement, will they try to prosecute me? Can this become a criminal matter or just civil? How can I get them to leave me alone without incriminating myself?

Tailgate Game

A new game that everyone plays at tailgate partys, Called Cornhole.

I made my own and put my a team logo onw it myself. I have had request after request to do one for them. What Can I do?

Mash Bash

Can we use the name M*A*S*H Bash for a not-for-profit fundraiser party?

Quote on T-shirt

Is it legal to use a quote on a t-shirt

if you are giving credit to the source. Do you need to a some kind of license?

I am a T-shirt designer, and have several T-shirt designs with quotes on them with the name

of the author. Is it legal to sell them on a large scale.

Thanks

Anneline

Use of Photos on the Internet for Blogs

I'm building a blog and I'm wondering about using photos from other websites like espn, and other news outlets. Is this legal or is there something that I need to do in order to post those photos.

copyright infringement

I am soon to launch a arab online social community website. I would like to play arabic music on the site, but fear copyright infringement. I was told there is no infringement if the music was produced in the Middle East as they do not have the copyright laws we have in the US. I need to confirm this. THe music I have selected to play was entirely produced in the ME, but I don't want to play the music and fear suit. I downloaded the music from an arabic music sharing site and they do not have a terms of use statement on the website. Thank you so much for your reply.

patent lawyers

patent lawyers can be expensive, but i know that i need one. I dont even know if my idea is completely patentable. right now all i have is my idea. So i dont waste time and money, what should i already have done before meeting the lawyer?

copyright liability...

I work for a school district and I was wondering where liability would lay IF I was instructed to make a copy of something that I thought was copyrighted.

Would it fall on my shoulders to pay any suit?

Am I protected since I am being instructed to make the copies?

Is there a standard form from the government that would indemnify me from suit?

Just wondering, thank you.

copyright in art work

I would like to decoupage furniture and frames to sell. What are the laws regarding the use of maps, posters, post cards, old books, magazines, wrapping paper in my own work?

small claims

I am to appear in small claims court and I am nervous as hell, how can I request a post-ponement at the court hearing due to my witness had a family emergency and had to go out of town and will not be back for a week.

trademarks

I'm a jeweler.

A client has asked me to make him a ring with a logo (ie Mercedes Benz Star) on it. I know that's a protected trademark. If it's just for the one person & we're not advertising it to others, can we make that without risking legal action? I can have them sign a note that they've asked us to make it for them, I'd guess. thanks.

Facebook photos

If someone posts a link to their Flickr/Picasa accounts in their Facebook profile, does Facebook have the same right to use the content (photos) of the link as it has with photos directly posted in its own photo application? In other words, does the user grant some rights of his/her photos to Facebook by posting a link to them?

Protecting a board game

How does on protect a board game? Copyright the rules? Copyright the board? Copyright the rules and the board together as a unified whole? Patent the game? Both? Neither? More? Thanks.

Obtaining a Court Order for release of Information

My grandfather went to Haverford College in Pennsylvania in 1926. I wrote to them requesting a copy of his transcript to add to my family's genealogy book. They said since he is deceased, I need to obtain a court order to get it. I live in NYC not PA. How do I go about do that?

Gypsy Vanner Horses

I have a friend who stole a money making idea from me. I bought a rare breed of horse to start a breeding program. These horses are selling in utero for 10 to 20K. She saw the potential too and took my idea and bought 3 of her own to start her own program. She never heard of these horses until I told her about them. Can I be entitled to any of the profits she makes since it was my idea?

domain name

I own a very popular domain name. I get 1000s of hits every week. The domain name is similar to the domain name for a well known european band with presence in the U.S. This band has sold 200 million albums. The spelling of the band's name in Europe is with an ''I'' and in the U.S. with a ''y''. so when American's spell the name, my web site pops up. I want to do something with this web site but I have been told I could get sued if I were to bring it live. All I have now is a counter, my phone number and a sign that says for sale or barter. I wrote a letter to their management company offering to sell the domain name with no luck. I get offers from other bands that want me to rent or link to their web site for a fee...Iwas wondering what it is that I can do or can't do. I don't want to break any domestic or international laws but I know I should be able to make some money by all the hits I get on my web page. Any suggestions?

Software Concept Protection

I am a software developer who created a piece of software which has been popular with others in testing. A company has approached me so they can hire me in order to develop this idea solely for them. I'm considering asking for a % of sales, but if they balk and I turn them down, I wonder if they can just have someone else work on the idea they received from my program. They also liked the ''look'' of my program, so if I didn't work for them, I imagine they would try to mimic the look and feel as well. Would this be legal?

copyright infringement

This company bigapplegeisha copied most of my website fantasygirlmaids what should I do? I have little money to sue them.

pettion for fiance

i have already filed an 1864 and i was asked to do it again