Is the app or code patent-able? What's the difference between copyrights, trademarks, etc... Should I have the client sign NDA

I'm note really sure what kind of response you could expect from this simple and quite public Q&A forum. And anyone who can code an app doesn't...

Is it copyright to use pictures from manufacturers website for blogging which may lead to making money?

You are free to write reviews of any product you like and in that effort you are also free to use an image of that product to color your review....

Should I have a company name creator sign an agreement(such as work for hire, confidentiality, exclusive right to the name)?

As my colleague notes, if all they are doing is brainstorming company names that you will employ as a trademark there is little risk regards to IP...

What are the steps and how much is it to copywrite a cartoon character?

The online registration fee is $55 USD at present. The process is pretty straight forward and thousands of people handle this themselves every day....

So, for using "Jake TheDog" and a piece of art of Jake as my profile picture, could I be sued for copyright infringement?

As noted, it seems you are conflating copyright and trademark. Any creative expression will be covered by copyright law automatically. Then you...

Can I make single copies of someones records or cassettes for them and legally charge them a fee?

I have a different take on this than my colleague. Transferring the media to a digital format is not considered copyright infringement especially...

How important is it that I obtain a trademark for the name of this fictitious coffee shop?

This is probably not the concern you think it is. Titles to single creative works like songs or operas are not afforded trademark protection unless...

Can I trademark my first name but it's also a foreign city name

Probably yes, but as noted the specter that the mark will be geographically mis-descriptive exists so this is something to discuss with whoever you...

As noted, even if there is no deliberate trademark infringement there still may be trademark elements like in patterns for example, which are also...

Copyright Infringment on work-for-hire status.

Can you be named in the suit? Yes, of course. Can you be held accountable? Yes, depending on the facts and circumstances. In your case, this is...