Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Georgia

Hi,

I have run across some software that is copyrighted to a "company name". If I research this company I can find no registration for this company in the state they say they say their headquarters are. I have asked this company for an EIN so I can verify they are legitimate but as of yet, have not heard anything back from them and they seem to be just ignoring my request.

My question is, can an company that is not legally formed enforce or copyright material under that company name?

I am assuming this is done to make it look like they are a big company when they are not a company at all.

Thank you.


Asked on 12/23/10, 12:02 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Scott Riddle Law Office of Scott B. Riddle, LLC

You don't give any reason why they would spend time on your request. What business do you have with them? Obviously, you contacted someone about the issue, and most likely someone owns the software. I expect if someone was dishonest and unethical enough to try to misappropriated their intellectual property they might respond at that time, perhaps with a lawsuit.

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Answered on 12/28/10, 12:21 pm
Glen Ashman Ashman Law Office also dba Glen Ashman Attorney

To echo Scott, his answer is correct. Additionally, unless you have done a great deal of research (did you check ALL local, state and federal databases including trade name filings in local courts, state and federal trademarks, corporation records on a state level, foreign corporation filings, and business license records?) Since some of those searches require paid subscriptions, I suspect you did not.

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Answered on 12/28/10, 12:41 pm


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