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 …

Share this Article

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 …

Share this Article

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 …

Share this Article

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) …

Share this Article

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 …

Share this Article

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 …

Share this Article

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’ …

Share this Article

Episode 7 of Ag Law Today: Trademarks

Rincker LawFood & Ag Law

I interviewed the beautiful Shahrina Ankhi-Krol of Ankhi-Krol Law on trademarks on last week’s episode of Ag Law Today.  Check it out here.  Don’t forget to subscribe on iTunes and YouTube so you don’t miss a beat.

Share this Article

Business Trademarks: What’s Really in a Name?

Rincker LawBusiness/Commercial Law, Intellectual Property, Trademarks

 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

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

Rincker LawBusiness/Commercial Law, Intellectual Property, Trademarks

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