Ask Sam: What is the USPTO?

Cari RinckerIntellectual Property, Trademarks

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 …

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Ask Sam: How Do I Choose a Strong Trademark?

Cari RinckerIntellectual Property, Trademarks

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 …

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Ask Sam: What is the Difference Between the ™, ℠, ®, and © Symbols?

Cari RinckerIntellectual Property, Trademarks

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 …

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Ask Sam: What is the Difference Between a Trademark and a Service Mark?

Cari RinckerIntellectual Property, Trademarks

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) …

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Safeguard Your Brand: Why Small Business Owners in NYC Should Consider Trademark Protection

Cari RinckerBusiness/Commercial Law, Intellectual Property

In the bustling and competitive landscape of New York City, small business owners and entrepreneurs face numerous challenges. Building a unique brand that stands out in the crowd is no easy task, but it is essential for success. One powerful tool that can help safeguard your brand identity is securing a trademark. Whether it’s a word mark or a design …

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Topics in Copyright Law: Cease and Desist Letters, Fair Use, and Plagiarism

Cari RinckerIntellectual Property

For an introduction to copyright law, see my previous blog post on Copyright Law: Six Common Questions and Answers.  This blog continues to build on the subject of copyright law, exploring three additional topics: Cease and Desist Letters, the Fair Use Exemption, and Plagiarism. What is a Cease and Desist Letter? A Cease and Desist Letter is used in copyright …

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Copyright Law: Six Common Questions and Answers

Cari RinckerIntellectual Property

Intellectual property law is confusing, to say the least.  Trademarks, copyrights, patents, trade secrets – oftentimes attorneys themselves can hardly distinguish between these concepts.  In an attempt to chip away at the mystery that is intellectual property, this blog answers six common questions about copyright law. What kind of work can be copyrighted? Copyright law protects works of authorship that …

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The Importance of Protecting Your Intellectual Property in Illinois

Rincker LawCopyrights, Intellectual Property, Trademarks

As any innovator or creator knows, protecting your intellectual property is vitally important to your success. Doing so can help ensure that your creations and hard work are protected. The first step in protecting your intellectual property in Illinois is to be informed of the different types of ways you can protect your intellectual property. The next step is to …

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Strategies for Protecting Your Business’s Intellectual Property

Rincker LawBusiness/Commercial Law, Intellectual Property

Before launching a business, entrepreneurs spend a substantial amount of time and money researching and developing their products or services. You may have worked with graphic designers and a marketing team to create a brand name and logo for your products or services. As the business grows and your products or services take off in the marketplace, competitors or counterfeiters …

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Four Things Business Owners Should Know about Trademark Infringement

Rincker LawBusiness/Commercial Law, Intellectual Property, Trademarks

Against the backdrop of globalization and the expansion of online business activity, trademark infringement is on the rise. Most elements of business branding—name, logo, design—are readily available online, making it easier for people to knowingly or unknowingly use the intellectual property of others. As a business owner, you must prioritize both protecting your own trademarks and avoiding infringement of others’ …

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Ask Stephanie: What are the Right to Privacy Concerns Facing Livestock Photographers?

Rincker LawFood & Ag Law, Intellectual Property

There are four major types of privacy law: unreasonable intrusion upon seclusion, unreasonable revelation of private facts, unreasonably placing another person in a false light; and, misappropriation of a person’s name or likeness. Intrusion: One who intentionally intrudes, physically or otherwise, upon the solitude or seclusion of another or his private affairs or concerns, is subject to liability to the …

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Ask Stephanie: What Trademark Issues Apply to Livestock Photographers?

Rincker LawIntellectual Property, Trademarks

The U.S. Trademark office states that a trademark is “a word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, use or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the good/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services.” Trademarks may either be on a mark or image. In order for something to …

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