If I record someone speaking a list of words and use the recording in a software application, who owns the recording rights?

Copyright is made up of a bundle of rights. Yes, you would automatically own some rights but should have a contract assigning all rights.

Can I used a trademark name if I use the racol after it...or do I still need permission from the registered owner?

It depends on how you use the mark. Trademark problems usually occur when someone sells a similar product with a similar trademark. You also...

Can a utility patent infringe on a similar-looking design patent for an object that serves a different function?

Yes, it is possible that a product built based on specifications in a utility patent could infringe a design patent. Obtaining a patent does not...

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Can a company have an employee purchase trade name rights of another company, to try to get monies/stop operations?

What exactly do you mean by "trade name rights"? Do you have a Federal trademark registration? This sounds like a trademark issue. If there is a...