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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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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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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Legal Issues to Consider Before Selling Products Online

Rincker LawBusiness/Commercial Law

If you are considering expanding your physical business or starting a home-based business, selling your products online is a great way to reach additional customers. Before you begin to sell products online, there are several legal issues you should be aware of to ensure that your business is compliant with the law and that your interests are protected. Business entity. …

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Episode 13 of Ag Law Today: Copyrights

Rincker LawAg Law Today, Podcasts

Hear me talk all things copyright law with New York intellectual property attorney Laura Winston on this week’s episode of Ag Law Today.  Such an important area of the law for everyone but especially for livestock photographers, food entrepreneurs and agri-business owners.

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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 …

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Our First Law Clerk: Behwal Rasul

Rincker LawRincker Law services

Behwal A. Rasul is a young attorney licensed to practice law in Pakistan. He did his L.L.B from University of London. After practicing law for a few years, he decided to pursue his studies. In May 2018, he graduated with an LL.M. from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. His major interests are corporate law, investment promotion, intellectual property, trade, constitutional …

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Video Lecture on Protecting the Food & Agribusiness with NDA’s, Contract Management and Intellectual Property

Rincker LawBusiness/Commercial Law, Food & Ag Law, Webinars

I gave a presentation a few weeks ago for Lawline titled “Protecting the Agribusiness: Managing Contracts, Trademarks and Non-Disclosure Agreements.” The video and slideshare presentation are posted below but if you are an attorney I suggest getting Continuing Legal Education credit directly from Lawline by registering here. Lawline Presentation: Protecting the Agribusiness- Managing Contracts, Trademarks and Non-Disclosure Agreements from Cari Rincker

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