Nebraska Recent Legal Answers from Lawyers

Many questions - many answers: The US Patent document cannot tell you where else the case was filed. To search in Canada, you can visit the Canadian Intellectual Property Office website - http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/cipointernet-internetopic.nsf/eng/Home You can also search at the European Patent Office website www.epo.org - and see what other countries the US Patent was filed in. Improvement inventions (your "add-on") might be patentable. Section 101 of the Patent Law says: 35 U.S.C. 101 Inventions patentable. Whoever invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof, may obtain a patent therefor, subject to the conditions and requirements of this title. However, the new invention must not be obvious to persons having ordinary skill in the field of the invention. If the add-on is a simple change that everyone knew could be done - it is likely an obvious change - and it will not be patentable. Finally, infringement of any claim in a patent is enough. Do not copy! Make your invention different.... Read More

Yes. There is plenty you can do to assert your rights in a divorce proceeding. And first things first: find a capable divorce lawyer who can represent and advise you in much greater detail and with more effect than the short answers available on this site. As a general matter, most states have adopted the principle of 'equitable division' of property in divorce, meaning that the presumption is that the parties will split all their marital assets and debt 50/50 with a list of considerations that could lead the court to vary from that presumption. You may have a right to acquaintance (formerly called 'alimony'), and if you have minor children, to child support. Find a good lawyer.... Read More

If the image you want to include makes you think of the other character, you are probably violating copyright or trademark rights. You have a lot of other options to establish the mood you intend. Alternatively, contact the company that owns the Pok?mon character and pay for a license to use the image your artist has drawn.... Read More

First things first: you should retain a capable divorce lawyer in your area to advise and represent you. Your lawyer will likely suggest that s/he file a motion for a protective order (under this or some name) to keep him away from you and your children The report you mention should be very helpful. Being indicted for a crime has little legal weight outside of the criminal case: it is merely a formal accusation, and far from proof beyond a reasonable doubt. You would do well to take all the usual precautions about your family's personal security: doors locked with strong locks; window locks; notification to the local police of the threats against you.... Read More

The idea itself can't be copyrighted. However, the specifics that bring the idea to reality might qualify for copyright protection. For example, advertising layouts or a guidebook on how to conduct the event might be copyrighted. Trademark and trade secret law might also provide protection.... Read More

A simple written agreement - stating the agreed terms - signed by both parties and notarized should be adequate. You may also want to check the trademark database at the US Patent & Trademark Office - www.uspto.gov - to be sure nobody has taken your friend's nickname as a trademark. GOOD LUCK.... Read More

Just cause to a sane reasonable person, and just cause to a court can look very different. Since there is a constitutional right involved, courts have rather strict criteria you must meet to do an Involuntary Termination of Parental Rights. Your best bet is to find a capable family law attorney to advise and represent you.... Read More

You will have to explain to the judge why you want a change is residential custody to allow the children to live with you. You also have to have some proof of the allegations you are alleging. Is it difficult? Depends on the allegations and the proof you have. Difficulty is a case-by-case basis. Speak with an attorney to determine your level of difficulty.... Read More

The 60 days is not an automatic "perfection" period. It is a waiting period. You must ether file the final documents in lieu of hearing or have a final hearing. If all that happens is the expiration of time, you're not divorced and if 6 months goes by your matter can be dismissed, leaving you married. Legal separation is an entirely different filing from divorce. No waiting period needed to separate but you still need a hearing or final documents. Hope this helps.... Read More

You seem not to be asking a question about Wisconsin law, which is the subject of this corner of the site. So you should retain a skilled matrimonial lawyer in your own county. That said, your lawyer will probably suggest a request for a final pre-trial conference (with a judicial officer) to determine what issues remain disputed, and to schedule key dates, including a trial. If your estranged spouse needs to complete some act or other, your lawyer may move the Court to compel her to do so within a time certain.... Read More

If it hasn't been dismissed for what is called lack of progression, you can certainly set the matter for trial if the two of you cannot come to an agreement. If you are in agreement, simply prepare the final document and, if she still has an attorney, submit it to the attorney who should then submit it to the court.... Read More