If you’re launching a new business, product line, or creative venture, one of the first things you’ll likely think about is the name—your brand identity. But before you start using a name, logo, or slogan publicly, it’s essential to ask: Should I conduct a trademark search first? The short answer is yes. A trademark search is one of the most …
When building a brand, securing a trademark is a critical step, but understanding how long that protection lasts is just as important. Unlike patents or copyrights, trademarks can potentially last forever. However, that protection isn’t automatic or permanent. To keep a trademark active, owners must follow specific legal steps and continue using the mark in commerce. The Basics: Federal Trademark …
Have a catchy phrase that you want to protect? Whether you’re a small business owner, food producer, or ag entrepreneur, you might be wondering: Can I trademark a catchphrase? The short answer is yes, as long as it meets certain criteria. Here’s what you need to know if you want to legally protect your catchphrase and use it as a …
If you have applied to register your trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”), you may receive something called an “Office Action.” While it can feel discouraging to get one, an Office Action is not a rejection. It is a request for clarification or correction that gives you the opportunity to respond and keep your application moving …
As a family law attorney practicing in Illinois, Greater New York City and Texas, I work with individuals and families navigating some of life’s most emotionally and logistically challenging transitions. Whether you’re going through an uncontested divorce, pursuing mediation or collaborative divorce, or separating as a farming couple with complex property needs, the road ahead can feel uncertain. Books can …
Whether your partnership has run its course or it’s time to move in a new direction, dissolving a business partnership in Illinois requires more than just walking away. There are legal steps to follow, financial responsibilities to settle, and formal notices to file. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to dissolve a partnership in Illinois the right way—without …
Starting a business with a partner can be exciting, but even the best relationships can break down without the right legal and operational framework. Whether it’s money, power struggles, or misaligned values, business partnerships often collapse due to issues that could have been prevented. At Rincker Law PLLC, we’ve seen the warning signs up close. This blog covers the top …
When you’ve poured your time, energy, and creativity into building a business, your name becomes one of your most valuable assets. It represents your brand, your reputation, and everything you’ve worked hard to create. But have you taken the legal steps to protect it? Registering a trademark for your business name isn’t just a formality, it’s a strategic move that …
When a loved one passes away without a will in Illinois, their estate doesn’t just disappear—it goes through a legal process called probate. But what does that actually mean? Who gets the property? And how long does it take? In this blog, we share “Illinois Probate 101: What Happens When Someone Dies Without a Will?” to help you understand how …
Probate is the legal process of settling a person’s estate after death, but when emotions run high and family dynamics are complex, probate can also become a legal battleground. Whether there’s confusion over the will, resentment between heirs, or questions about how the estate is managed, disputes are common—and they can quickly turn costly. In this blog, we explore “Common …
In the livestock industry, a cattle brand is more than just a mark, it’s a symbol of heritage, reputation, and the identity of a ranching operation. Traditionally used to identify ownership of livestock, cattle brands can also serve a broader purpose in the modern marketplace. If your cattle brand is being used not just to mark livestock but to promote …
If you’re thinking about protecting your brand name, logo, slogan, or other distinctive mark, you’re likely considering a federal trademark. But once you file an application, who actually reviews it? The answer: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”). What is the USPTO? The USPTO is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce. It’s responsible for granting …