Is This A Legitimate Way to Work Around a Competitors Patent?

The good news is that you are asking the right question by looking at the patent claim and seeking to determine whether it would be construed to...

Where should I start?

Start by considering that the software will be protected by copyright. Give it a brand identity, by having an intellectual property attorney...

Can we do anything about this? idea created elsewhere

Would it satisfy you to hear that "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery"? Did the other company derive the "idea" from something you had...

For actionable legal advice, I urge you to engage a local attorney with experience in intellectual property matters. In general, if a product...

Is this an illegal action or not?

This would be something to disclose confidentially to your own attorney. It would be prudent to have him/her respond to the competitor. As your...

Under fair use doctrine, can the national board prohibit the chapters of its own association from using the logo on merchandise?

Attorney Ballard is correct in raising the question as to the possibility of a specialized kind of trademark registration called a collective...

Can a publisher be liable for copyright infringement from joint authors where joint authors assigned their copyright verbally?

The answer to each of your questions is YES. You've described the issues very well.

What legal options do we have with a client that's ignoring the signed terms?

You've already described your primary options. This is clearly a matter for which you will need to engage an attorney experienced in business...

Is there a way to license the use of a patented product/material?

Yes, and the simplest thing would be to ask the company to supply you with the patented material. Your purchase of the material would implicitly...

GoDaddy offers a variety of services, and each could be governed by its own Terms of Service. It is one thing when GoDaddy acts as the registrar...