Ask Sam: Why Should I Trademark My Business Name?

Cari RinckerGeneral

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 …

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Ask Sam: Can You Register a Cattle Brand as a Trademark?

Cari RinckerIntellectual Property

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 …

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Ask Sam: What Agency Handles the Review of Trademark Applications?

Cari RinckerIntellectual Property

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 …

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Ask Sam: What is Trade Dress?

Cari RinckerIntellectual Property

When we think about protecting a brand, trademarks like names, logos, and slogans often come to mind. But there’s another powerful and often overlooked form of intellectual property: trade dress. So, what exactly is trade dress, and why should businesses care about it? Trade Dress Defined Trade dress refers to the visual appearance of a product or its packaging that …

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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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Real Estate Law: Illinois 1031 Exchanges

Cari RinckerBusiness Law, Food & Ag Law, Real Estate Transactions

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; …

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Ask Sam: What is a Trademark?

Cari RinckerTrademarks

A trademark is a form of intellectual property that helps distinguish a business’s goods or services from those of others. Trademarks can be words, phrases, symbols, designs, or a combination of these elements that represent a brand. Trademarks provide legal protection, helping business owners ensure that only they have the exclusive right to use the mark in connection with their …

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Ask Cari: Tips on Public Speaking

Rincker LawFood & Ag Organizations

I was recently interviewed by an agriculture youth organization about public speaking skills and public speaking contests.  Here are my answers!  1) Tell us a little bit about yourself along with your background in agriculture. I grew up on a Simmental farm in Central Illinois showing cattle through 4-H, FFA, and the American Junior Simmental Association (“AJSA”). I judged livestock …

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