Can a use a photo I found in a news article on line of a man murdered by his wife in 2010?

No, the photographer or newspaper own the copyright. You need to license the rights.

Agreement to purchase ownership rights of a software application

You would need a copyright/ IP attorney with experience in business transactions, licensing and assignments.

Yes, as long as the other use is not famous, you can use the name for an apparel line. However, I would strongly suggest having a trademark...

Can you file both a breach a contract claim and a copyright infringement claim at the same time? Or do you have to choose one?

Yes, you can and should file both claims in the action as long as they arose from the same transaction. The copyright infringement claim would be...

Does the U.S. Copyright Office permit me to register the copyright on a literary work-in-progress?

Yes you can register your literary work at any stage. It just appears to be wasteful, unless you intend to enforce the work in progress.

In a trademark cancellation proceeding is descriptiveness determined in relation to the description of goods?

Descriptiveness is determined on the basis of the description in the registration. Listen, you are going to lose your mark if you don't retain...

A friend of mine has acquired and is in posession of a famous and very well known celebrities previously worn clothing..

I don't think that she can ask for her swimsuit after giving it to your friend. However, him using her name and or likeness to sell the swimsuit...

Can I show someone's ad on my website?

No, you will need a license from the other advertisers that you are analyzing. Alternatively, you might be able to post hyperlinks to other...

Does a copyright certificate that states "text, 2-D artwork" protects the actual text/phrase or just that particular 2-D design

It is difficult to advise you without seeing your registration and the deposit materials, as well as what was copied. I suggest that you retain an...

Nobody on this website can opine on the merits of the case without looking at all the details. I strongly suggest that you take the case seriously...