If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or creative professional, you’ve likely come across the term “USPTO.” But what exactly is it, and why is it important for protecting your brand and intellectual property? The United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce responsible for granting patents and registering trademarks. Its primary …
Whether you’re launching a new business, product, or service — or looking to strengthen the protection of an existing one — choosing the right trademark is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. A trademark is more than just a name or logo; it’s the face of your brand, a legal asset, and a powerful tool to set you …
If you’re caring for a loved one who cannot make decisions for themselves due to age, disability, or incapacity, you may need to seek legal guardianship. But what are the types of guardianships in Illinois? And how do you know which one is right for your situation? In this blog post, we break down the different types of guardianships in …
No parent wants to imagine a world where they’re not around to care for their child. But appointing a legal guardian ensures that, even in your absence, your child will be raised by someone you trust. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to appoint a guardian for your child in Illinois — a critical step that too many …
If you’ve ever looked closely at brand names, logos, or creative works, you’ve likely seen the symbols TM (™), SM (℠), Registered Trademark (®), and Copyright (©). While they all relate to intellectual property protection, they serve different legal purposes. Understanding these symbols can help businesses and creators protect their brands and works effectively. The Trademark (™) Symbol The TM …
If you’ve recently been appointed as guardian for a disabled adult in Illinois — or you’re considering petitioning for guardianship — it’s essential to understand exactly what this legal role involves. Guardianship isn’t just a title; it’s a serious, court-supervised responsibility with significant legal and ethical obligations. What are the responsibilities of a guardian for a disabled adult in Illinois? …
One of the most common questions couples ask before getting married is: “Are prenuptial agreements enforceable in Illinois?” If you’re planning to get married and thinking about signing a prenup, this is an important question. In Illinois, prenuptial agreements can be a helpful way to set clear expectations and protect both parties financially—but only if they meet certain legal standards. …
For generations, farms across Illinois have been passed down from parent to child. But today, many families are asking the same big question: “How can I keep the farm in the family and ensure a smooth transition to the next generation?” Estate and succession planning is essential for any business owner—but it’s especially important for farmers. Unlike other industries, farms …
If you’re going through a divorce in Illinois, one of the first questions you may ask is: “Is divorce mediation required in Illinois?” This is one of the most common concerns for couples—especially when children are involved. The answer depends on your situation and what issues you and your spouse are trying to resolve. In this blog, we’ll break down …
When building a business, protecting your brand identity is essential. Two key legal tools for this protection are trademarks and service marks. While both serve to protect the uniqueness of your brand, they apply to different aspects of commerce. Understanding the distinction between the two can help you properly protect your intellectual property and avoid potential legal issues. Trademarks (TM) …
If you’re considering ending your marriage, you’re probably asking the same question many others do: how long does it take to get a divorce in Illinois? This is one of the most common questions family law attorneys hear. The truth is, the timeline for a divorce in Illinois can vary depending on several factors, including whether the divorce is contested …
Illinois 1031 Exchange: A 1031 exchange allows Illinois real estate investors to postpone capital gains taxes by investing sale proceeds of a property in a like-kind property. The strategy preserves capital, increases cash flow, and grows investment portfolios. Requirements Like-Kind Property: Must be for investment or business purposes (e.g., rental buildings, commercial property). Qualified Intermediary (QI): Must conduct the transaction; …