Legal Question in Intellectual Property in New York

Copyrighting Concept for T-Shirts
I have a 2 part question, 1. how do I copyright a concept like the ''I love NY'' t-shirt while using something that is a picture from the environment? (i.e. Brooklyn bridge, Manhattan bridge, or fire hydrants...like the old day version as well as the modern day ones) but using the pictures on t-shirts with a quote? and 2. How do I promote this idea and possibly share with someone without them stealing my idea and taking the idea to another state and reproducing on a national level? If I use the hydrants because they are controlled by the city, am I obligated to get rights to use the pictures? Also, I plan on taking the concept to someone who manufactures clothing and creating a licensing agreement to put the concept out under their clothing line. I want to protect my idea so I can take it to several manufacturers (i.e. Sean John, Phat Farm, Ekco..). Does this make sense? Help!!

Asked on 2/22/08, 9:28 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Nancy Delain Delain Law Office, PLLC

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Re: Copyrighting Concept for T-Shirts

Your questions are too in-depth for this forum. You need to hire an attorney who deals with copyright and trademark registration issues. There are lots of intellectual property firms in the City, or you can consider going outside the confines of NYC for good legal help for a lesser fee.

You're welcome to give my office a call; we regularly register intellectual property for our clients, and we frequently work with clients over the long-distance telephone, fax and email systems.

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Answered on 2/24/08, 9:51 pm

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