How do I research if a company has filed a trade dress? If I pay a firm is their research more exhaustive that what I can do?

Trade dress has a specific meaning, and depending on what you are considering is "trade dress" is relevant to the analysis. Also, the analysis is...

While something like this, as a purely informational, directory type of site might constitute fair use, it will all depend on the specific facts,...

I want to file a trademark, but realized its also used in a popular book that just turned into a movie. Is this infringement?

Agree with the others. You should seek counsel. Some of this is also going to turn on what the particular word is, its meaning, and how it is...

Am I going to run into legal trouble for altering a logo and using it on my business card?

This is a train wreck waiting to happen. Rebrand.

Can we sell handmade cards, using supplies that are college themed (Notre Dame, Ohio State, etc.) purchased from a retailer?

You will likely need a license for something like this, especially if you are talking about party packs with invitations and decorations, etc. A...

Zumba is listed in the Oxford dictionary as "an aerobic fitness program". But it is also a trademark. So can I make a t-shirt?

In the strictest sense you will likely infringe their trademark, but as the others point out, if it is not done for profit and/or wide...

Can the general design of a case meant to hold another item be patented?

The general design, shape, size, probably not. But if there are any new, novel, unique features, you might be able to get a patent on that...

Supplemental responses to discovery requests in trademark opposition - are there any limit or deadlines?

The parties both have a duty to supplement discovery responses. This doesn't allow stonewalling though. They can submit supplemental answers and...

Am I infringing on a trademark that sounds similar but that trademark is No longer in business?

Trademark rights can be abandoned. Generally, when someone ceases use of a mark and has no plans to resume use of the mark, that mark and the...

I wish to record conversations between me and my nephrologist (kidney dr.) at my dialysis center.

Generally speaking, consent to recording is required.