Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Illinois

I am starting my own business, making cards. I have came up with some of my own verses and quotes, but there are some famous quotes that I would like to use also. I was wondering if I can do this legally?


Asked on 4/21/10, 6:42 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Stephen Messutta

First, good luck! OK you need to worry about quotes that have valid copyrights still on them because those you will need permission from whoever holds the copyright. It may not be the original author but could be someone who inherited the copyright or purchased it. And if so that would most likely entail a royalty. Then there are quotes that are in the "public domain" meaning no one has the ability to claim the right to use the quote over anyone else.

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Answered on 4/26/10, 11:17 am


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