If I created an instagram account for brand A while under expired contract, am I required to release it to them if terminated.

All we can ethically provide is general advice most importantly that you need to call, personally visit, email, or text in confidence with a lawyer...

Did I lose my copyright or was it infringed?

Likely you are not screwed, but have a claim for compensation, but likely not an infringement case. So, there is some hope. 17 USC 201(a) states...

Do I own the rights to specific intellectual property?

Likely you gave a perpetual license to the friend to use this material free of charge, and once the friend adopts this logo, it becomes a trademark...

Is what are the legal options on this copyright infringement matter?

Some options that come immediately to mind: 1) the best option - hire an attorney to handle this for you. An IP attorney would likely be best. 2)...

I was unable to get releases for freelance photos I took at a parade. Am I still allowed to publish them with my poetry?

Generally yes unless there is some celebrity in the photo that you are trying to rip off with this. People at a parade generally give implicit...

Am I allowed to use a menu from a restaurant on my own website?

Are you purposely vague? How would you like to use it? To comment on it, to poke fun at it, to rip off the copyrighted content for you own...

No, that is not smart in California which has strict laws on publicity rights and use of photos for commercial purposes. You need to get the...

One of celebrity album cover photo is imitating my facebook profile picture. can I sue the celebrity?

Before you can effectively do much about this, and certainly before you can file suit legally, you need to register your photo at the US Copyright...

Can the media use photos from my website that I took without permission? If so how can I prevent this in the future?

Sorry to say, your attorney is correct. This would very likely be fair use for purposes of news reporting.

Is it legal for a small business photographer to use a picture I paid for without my consent?

And yes, under New York law you can send a written objection and the photographer is thereafter prohibited from using the photograph for...