1)Can i use a name or partial name that a competitor has for my business? 2)Legally, how close can my logo be to a competitor?

This will really depend on what you are using and the context of that use. Before you invest in any trademark make sure you get some legal...

Can I patent specific words on balloons, party-ware items and greeting cards?

It sounds like you are speaking to a slogan or tagline, which is a trademark not a patent. A patent protects things like inventions. Before you...

Looking for a lawyer to help with the cease and desist order?

General litigators, intellectual property and business lawyers all typically handle cease & desist matters. Before you commit to anything, I...

How do I protect my business from copyright infringement?

The business model concerns me because it sounds like you might be infringing. Before you commit to anything, I suggest that you consult with a...

My site may have been plagiarized, what exactly can I do?

As noted, we really can't tell much from here. If this other entity actually violated or infringed on your IP then maybe you can take some action...

Contract for photography ?

A document does not have to have a physical signature on it in order for it to be enforceable. So long as you can show assent to it, the court will...

Business name used by other entities for financial gain?

This situation requires a proper legal analysis. If you have serious concerns, I suggest that you consult with a lawyer in private and discuss...

Yes, you can protect a surname, but sometimes this is tricky regards to federal registration and there is no inherent right to a trademark in your...

Can I get a trademark for a business name in Florida if there is an business in the same industry in Idaho/Oregon?

We don't enough information to address this specific concern here. For example, we would need to know whether they have a registered trademark for...

How do I protect a slogan that I would like to sell to a major governmental entity in California?

In short, you can't. Unlike a domain you really can't speculate on trademarks. This is because use in commerce is required for registration. You...