I want to know if I can use photos I took while employed with a general contractor in my portfolio for my own photography biz.

The photos DO have copyright. Pursuant to 17 USC 102 a copyright subsists from the moment of creation. Pursuant to 17 USC 101 your photographs...

Google the term "ex parte patent prosecution". You can't just call up the examiner in someone else's case and tell him or her to reject it. If you...

Listen up! The nickname IS TRADEMARKED. Trademark rights are automatic upon use in commerce. If the nickname is associated with a particular...

Wow, that sounds like a dumb move, very likely to be trademark infringement and copyright infringement, both. Yes, it very well could get you sued.

Can a texture be legally created & sold if it resembles a movie star character, even though it's more cartoonish?

Yes it can be legally done if you get permission, otherwise likely not. You need to Google the terms "derivative work" and "publicity right", or...

What is the doctrine that sounds something like: constant and continual contact; or is that the actual wording?

The doctrine of harrassment sounds something like that! I mean really, could you be a little more vague?

General reasons for a petition for an earlier filing date in regards to a non-provisional patent application would be approved?

You need a patent attorney, specifically a REGISTERED patent attorney. It is rather clear you do not know what you are doing. Unless these...

My father published a book which went into the public domain. I want to extend the copyright the copyright which was 1976

You need to see a copyright lawyer. If you mean the copyright expired without renewal in 1976, the book is public domain, and you cannot extend it....

Can I trademark a name that has been abandoned?

Maybe. Maybe not. Searching TESS is not enough. You need to clear the mark of residual rights and for that you will need a trademark attorney. When...

Assuming there is a local company named Citrus Industries LLC, can I register my company named Citrus Ind. Ltd. Co.?

You need to see a trademark attorney. We can only give general advice here since you are not a client. Generally, "citrus" as a name for a...