Can I get a trademark, a performance arts copyright, to protect my concept for a new kind of coffee shop, with a unique twist?

These are creative thoughts you have, but unfortunately a copyright is not going to cover the broad "concept" or idea of your business (see 17 USC...

Do I need a waiver or just sign permission to use business logos in a promotional directory?

Are these businesses you have worked with in the past? Regardless, you would need a license (most likely they might agree to a non-exclusive...

If the artist is the user with superior rights in the stage name, then any rights claimed by the company would be likely be determined solely by...

I'm moving this to the employment law section.

The inclusion of the word "most" makes this a situation that may not be as cut and dry as you are hoping. "Most" of them may very well be in the...

You could get hit from multiple angles doing something like this so it is not advisable without proper licensing. The actor has a right of...

Hi and thank you so much for your time. My question is do I sign up for LLC or professional service corporation?

Unlike many states, CA does not allow LLCs to be formed for professional services businesses. The professional corporation is your only option in...

Are companies under any obligation to shut down anything that blatantly infringes on that company's trademarks or copyrights?

They have an economic obligation to prevent what amounts to the theft of their assets. In the case of trademarks, failure to police and enforce...

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Can I use the name "California Realty" if I form a corporation, even though like companies are already using that name as a DBA?

Names cleared for use in connection with organizing a company do not thereafter automatically garner trademark rights, so you could run into...

What will be a legal, effective and most common way for small business owners to collect money from their customers?

An iron-clad contract that is signed up front by the client is your best bet. Small claims would be your worst-case scenario after that, but at...