Farm estate and succession planning is rarely just about documents. For many agricultural families, it involves land, business ownership, family relationships, retirement, taxes, livestock, equipment, management responsibilities—and the deeply personal question of what happens to a farm or ranch that may have taken generations to build. That is why Cari Rincker, founder of Rincker Law, PLLC, is conducting an updated …
Business Partner Disputes in Agriculture: Can Mediation Keep a Farm or Agribusiness Out of Court? When owners of a farm, agricultural LLC, partnership, or other closely held agribusiness stop agreeing about how the business should operate, the consequences can extend far beyond an ordinary disagreement. Crops still need to be planted or harvested. Livestock still need care. Loans must be …
Key Legal Insights from the ISBA Rural Practice Newsletter for Illinois Attorneys and Farmers highlight practical considerations that impact legal professionals, farmers, and rural communities across the state. As Co-Editor of the Illinois State Bar Association Rural Practice Newsletter, Cari Rincker helps bring forward important discussions that reflect the realities of practicing law and managing legal issues in rural Illinois. …
Rincker Law PLLC is proud to share that our principal attorney, Cari Rincker, was recently featured in an in-depth attorney profile in the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) Rural Practice Section Newsletter. The profile, written by Sara Peska and Ean R. Albers, offers a detailed look into Cari’s career path, her return to rural Illinois, and her longstanding dedication to …
Your brand isn’t just a name. It’s a promise. It’s the handshake your customers remember, the logo on every product that leaves your barn, and the story that sets you apart in a crowded market. In agriculture and food, your brand carries your reputation — and that reputation deserves more than a one-size-fits-all filing. Filing a trademark yourself might seem …
It’s not uncommon for identical trademarks to exist for different goods and services. Maybe your farm equipment company is identical to a trademark registered for a restaurant, or your software company’s mark matches one used for a clothing line. Naturally, this can raise concerns: Does this mean I can’t use my trademark? Is someone infringing on my mark? The good …
Many people are familiar with criminal, family, or corporate law but fewer understand what it means to practice agricultural law. During recent Q&A sessions with pre-law students at the University of Illinois, Attorney Cari Rincker explained what makes agricultural law such a unique and rewarding career path. Below we share, “From Farm Fields to Courtrooms: Understanding Agricultural Law (and Why …
Running an agribusiness today is both exciting and complex. Whether you’re operating a fertilizer company, an ag-tech startup, a feed mill, or a family-owned food processing plant, growth brings opportunity and legal challenges. Vendor contracts, employee handbooks, intellectual property, regulatory compliance, and expansion plans all require legal oversight. But most small and mid-size agribusinesses cannot justify hiring a full-time, in-house …
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 …