Am I allowed to mention companies like Facebook, Google and Tim Hortons in my fictional book?

As long as (a) you are not implying any connection with these people or places and (b) you are not including anything which could be considered...

Should I hired an attorney if I've been possibly red flagged by CBP? And how do I get them to remove me from being red flagged?

Since you already have a lawyer working on this, why would you want to add another? Let you current lawyer deal with the potential red flag and...

Is it okay for me to use the likeness of celebrities in my book?

You have received a good answer already, and I would just like to add one additional consideration. If you are writing non-fiction make certain...

Is it legal to use the same costume design as the Man of Steel suit but change the colors and logo with no cape?

You have received excellent answers. While you may not be making an exact copy, the standard in copyright infringement is substantial similarity...

Ideas are not protected as intellectual property although they may be protected by contract. If you disclosed your idea without first having them...

How can I renew my trademark to keep it from being cancelled?

Between the fifth and sixth anniversaries of registration you are required to file a verification of continued use. There is an optional secondary...

Selected as the best answer

I want to patent a phrase?

As pointed out in the prior response your desire is not for a patent which protects inventions, but for a copyright which protects original and...

Can I create a directory of businesses on my website?

Simply listing facts, such as name, address, etc. is permitted, but logos, artwork, photos may not be. I would advise that you have local IP...

Since twitter is a publicly traded company are they required to not violate civil rights of users? it is a civil rights issue.

As Attorney Koslyn points out, civil rights have nothing to do with being publicly traded. If they are in violation of law, they are in violation...

Taking half of the money and assets from a partnership before dissolution.

Is it an LLC or a partnership? If it is an LLC, statutes provide the terms of your operating agreement. If a partnership, it is less so. If a...