Can I use a name for my product which is similar to a non-trademarked product in the same industry?

These kinds of questions just cannot be addressed here and never in the hypothetical. Before you invest in any trademark make sure you get some...

If do a podcast about the origins of the stories from Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, is this protected under fair use?

You received some good responses. I would want to better understand exactly what you propose. There is a line to walk here for sure. Before you...

No one can protect or claim a business concept in a vacuum. They can protect their trademark (branding) and trade dress (things like the color...

Can I use song titles o phrases in my merchandise?

Perhaps. Titles to single creative works are not afforded trademark protection unless they are part of a series. This is why we have 1001 songs...

Do I need permission from living relatives to use the likeness of my dead grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, etc?

You could be violating their right of privacy and publicity, which are state governed laws that vary. These kick in when one uses the name, image...

Presumably this should not be a problem, but its possible depending on the context. Using quotes will generally be permitted. This is largely...

I’d like to create and sell a shirt online mentioning a bands name.

It would depend on the context. If this was a fair use of their name like for specific commentary or political or social expression of some kind it...

Another company working with former co-founder and I can see they have used trade secrets to develop new prototypes. What to do?

You really need to have a proper evaluation of all the facts and circumstances here before committing to a strategy. A cease and desist may be the...

This happens all the time. I have heard of some companies complaining about it, but because you are not really placing the mark in commerce outside...

That's no problem assuming the context is entirely personal use and you are not trying to tie in a business or personal brand, etc. with some other...