Creating Digital copy similar to printed caopy

[Mikel665]

Texas

I have created a digital product which closely resembles an actual product. The actual product is a hard back album which allows a collector to place his/her collection into slots and store in the album.
The product I am working on is similar in design but in a digital form. The user would place photos of their collection into slots instead of the actual item. The "album" could then be saved in several formats.
PDF, Ebook, Flipbook. Allowing the user to view on PC, online or on mobile device. Some of the "album" I have created are not available in hardback form and are solely my creations.

My question is 1) would I be in violation of any copyright laws if my product is similar in design, but visually different to any existing hard copies.
2) If I want to copyright my creations, will I need to copyright each and every one or could I copyright the concept? Allowing me to make several designs without having to copyright each one individually.
3) If I wanted to sell my products online, would I need a business license in the state of Texas.

I have a dealer of hardback products who is interested in selling my digital copies to his customers. The ones he is interested in are discontinued or are not longer available in hardback form.

Thanks

 

[quincy]

Texas

I have created a digital product which closely resembles an actual product. The actual product is a hard back album which allows a collector to place his/her collection into slots and store in the album.
The product I am working on is similar in design but in a digital form. The user would place photos of their collection into slots instead of the actual item. The "album" could then be saved in several formats.
PDF, Ebook, Flipbook. Allowing the user to view on PC, online or on mobile device. Some of the "album" I have created are not available in hardback form and are solely my creations.

My question is 1) would I be in violation of any copyright laws if my product is similar in design, but visually different to any existing hard copies.
2) If I want to copyright my creations, will I need to copyright each and every one or could I copyright the concept? Allowing me to make several designs without having to copyright each one individually.
3) If I wanted to sell my products online, would I need a business license in the state of Texas.

I have a dealer of hardback products who is interested in selling my digital copies to his customers. The ones he is interested in are discontinued or are not longer available in hardback form.

Thanks

Designs can be protected under copyright laws but I cannot tell from your description if what you created would violate any copyrights. You should have an IP attorney in your area personally check out your product and the product you are imitating. I would be more concerned about possible patent infringement.

Here is a link which speaks to Texas licenses, permits and taxes: https://www.sba.com/Texas/licenses-permits

And here is a link to the Texas comptroller on taxes: https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/94-171.php