Can I use a name of an old music group, that is no longer together, as a name for my LLC?

You should consult an IP attorney on this matter. The answer to your question is very fact-specific. My colleagues correctly mention the classes of...

Agreement to pay damages

Yours is a specific question that would fall under legal advice. You generally have the right idea - to put in writing exactly what you agreed to...

Do I have the legal grounds to copyright and/or trademark my clothing brand name if a similar name exists in other countries?

As my colleagues have stated, it is extremely important for you to do due diligence when researching and preparing to file a trademark application....

Who can I discuss with on whether to go for a patent or to try to license my product idea?

Depending on what state you are in, there may be programs available that can help place you with a patent attorney/agent. For example, Georgia has...

How do stop a former employer from using my copyrighted material (or make them pay me to use it)?

I'm only going to address the portion of your question referring to Upwork and their assertion that you are the copyright owner. Upwork's "clear"...

As my colleagues have stated, you are in Trademark territory, not copyrights. And yes, you would very likely be infringing on a company's trademark...

Intellectual Property and non-payment

Mr. David is correct in stating that there must be an employer/employee relationship or the work falls into a list of 9 defined items for a...