Do we have to register designs or after we publish them, are they automatically protected by copyrights?

Good answers above. There's a bit of uncertainty because of your use of "designs" and then going on to discuss "phrases". "Design" would...

Good answer above. While you may be well meaning, there are plenty of exploiters who give pretend awards just so they imagine they have an excuse...

Good answers above. Plus, if we assume he was the exclusive user of Gutterking (including third parties) his damages would be his lost profits. ...

It's not quite that simple, but I think the conclusion may be correct. Fair use is consistent with "free speech" which to me means the government...

You might be heading in the wrong direction. A photo is evidence of trademark use when there is product, labels, tags or packaging in the photo. ...

Can I start a business under a name that a business is using in another state?

Trademarks and service marks involve the names used to identify the business to customers. It might be different than forming a corporation or LLC...

Are “Platinum Platinum Records” and “Platinum Records, LLC” in the same class of a trademark likely to confuse people? ?

It isn't the classes that matter as much as the goods. Especially in class 9 that could include everything from software to incandescent...

Since you specifically say you are drop shipping, your activities would not benefit from the "first sale" rule. You never take ownership so you...

Can i use a dead trademark?

If it is completely abandoned and no one else has picked it up for something related, it is free for anyone to use and no one from whom to buy...

How strict are trademark laws across similar products?

If the marks and goods are sufficiently similar that there is a likelihood of consumer confusion, then there is trademark infringement. No...