1. Does software programs fall under the "works made for hire" doctrine if they are written by independent contractors?

Depends on the contract. If you are hired to write a specific software application and you would like to preserve authorship, or a non-exclusive...

....how to decide what is fair for both of us. The loan is in his name only for $260,000. I have a bad back and cannot work.

On;y 260,000? That is easy. You do not need paper, you need an attorney. Not an IP question. Question makes no legal sense

Can you use a business name that's already in use in another country?

Laws are territorial, thus a product registered in the USA has no right in an unregistered country. That is not the same in the USA where common...

EXTENSION TO TRADEMARK APPLICATION POSSIBLE?

If you do not answer the application will become abandoned. I do not understand why you cannot answer the OA in view of the negotiations but that...

I created a "word" that I want trademarked. Once trademarked, is it easy to solicit to companies to sell the rights?

A word by itself is nothing and has no legal protection. Anybody can be a lexicographer. It is the identification of a product or service that...

Most likely no, you cannot use the picture, or any portion of it, as it may still be under copyright. The music itself is definitely copyrighted...

Can you use the name of lakes/ponds/mountains/etc. for business and publication names?

Yes you can used a geographic name, but it will be a weak trademark to enforce as it is geographically descriptive and your TM attorney will have...

Copyright infringement advice for a music video.

my music video will that stand as a copyright infringement against me? >> Yes it is Copyright infringement Will I get sued? >> Most likely, as you...

I believe it to be fair use, no commercial, and the music being incidental to the child's dancing. I respectfully disagree with my colleague...

No, you cannot use cartoon characters, even with slight modifications for your jewelry, unless you have a license from the copyright and trademark...