The Importance of Protecting Your Intellectual Property in Illinois

Rincker Law Copyrights, Intellectual Property, Trademarks Leave a Comment

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 …

Share this Article

Four Things Business Owners Should Know about Trademark Infringement

Rincker Law Business/Commercial Law, Intellectual Property, Trademarks Leave a Comment

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’ …

Share this Article

Ask Stephanie: What Trademark Issues Apply to Livestock Photographers?

Rincker Law Intellectual Property, Trademarks Leave a Comment

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 …

Share this Article

Ask Cari: What Laws Affect Agriculture and Livestock Photographers / Videographers?

Rincker Law Copyrights, Food & Ag Law, Intellectual Property, Trademarks Leave a Comment

Here is a presentation that I did on the topic for an upcoming lecture at Purdue on the topic: Laws that Apply to Agriculture Photographers and Videographers from Cari Rincker

Share this Article

Business Trademarks: What’s Really in a Name?

Rincker Law Business/Commercial Law, Intellectual Property, Trademarks Leave a Comment

 If you’re thinking of starting a business (or already have a business in the works), make sure that the name you use is not already taken.  Original names are essential for three reasons:  marketing power, clarity, and trademark infringement avoidance.  For example, if you’ve decided to open a coffee shop, it’s fairly easy to determine that the name “Starbucks” is …

Share this Article

4 Social Media Mistakes that May Put Your Company’s IP at Risk

Rincker Law Business/Commercial Law, Copyrights, Intellectual Property, Trademarks Leave a Comment

Being active on social media is hardly a choice anymore for small to medium sized businesses—it’s a given.  After all, your customers are there.  Connecting with your target audience in the social web can boost your brand and level the playing field between you and big competitors with larger advertising budgets.  But before you rush out to tweet a deal …

Share this Article

Are Your Trade Secrets Really Safe? 4 Steps To Safeguard Your Competitive Edge

Rincker Law Business/Commercial Law, Intellectual Property, Trademarks Leave a Comment

A trade secret is a piece of information which is confidential, can be legally protected, and gives your company a competitive edge.  Lots of the most famous examples involve recipes: the formula for Coca Cola, McDonald’s Big Mac “secret sauce”, or that Mrs. Field’s chocolate chip cookie recipe that caused such a legal stir in the 90s.  But you don’t …

Share this Article

Protect Your Livestock Brand with Trademarks

Rincker Law Intellectual Property, Trademarks Leave a Comment

I’m excited about the upcoming Fourth of July break.  I’m heading up to Massachusetts for some R & R in the Berkshires.  I recently wrote this article on trademark protection for livestock operations.  You should take a moment and read it beachside or over a Fourth of July BBQ.  Happy Fourth!

Share this Article

Quick Summary of Trademarks for Farms, Agri-Businesses and Food Entrepreuners

Rincker Law Intellectual Property, Trademarks Leave a Comment

Over the last year I have received numerous inquires from farms, agri-businesses and food entrepreneurs about the importance of trademarks and the application process.  This post seeks to give a cursory overview of a few common questions that come my way. Trademarks vs. Service Marks Put simply, a trademark is an identifying mark for consumers in connection with particular goods …

Share this Article

“Fridays with Cari” Webinar Series Kicks Off Today

Rincker Law Business/Commercial Law, Family/Matrimonial Law, Food & Ag Law, Intellectual Property, Rincker Law Events, Social Media and Technology, Trademarks, Webinars 3 Comments

I’m excited for my new webinar series titled “Fridays with Cari.”  I will be discussing a variety of agriculture issues with my Friday webinar series ranging from livestock animal cruelty law to estate planning.  I believe that legal information should be affordable for everyone in the food and agriculture industry and I hope that my webinars will be educational to …

Share this Article