Ask Stephanie: What Copyright Issues Affect Agriculture Photographers and Videographers?

Rincker Law Copyrights, Intellectual Property Leave a Comment

A copyright gives the creator of a literary, artistic, musical, or other creative work the sole right to publish and sell that work. This work includes photographs and in fact according to the Federal Copyright Act of 1976, photographs are copyright protected the moment they are created. It is not necessary to formally register a copyright, however it may be …

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

So What About Those Farm Pictures? The Legal Side of Farm Photography

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

I wrote an article recently on the legal side of farm photography, which can be accessed from my JD Supra page here.  The article gives a brief overview of the law of photography and the need for a model release and/or property release in some circumstances.  Happy reading!

Share this Article

Recording Available for ABA Webinar on Intellectual Property for the Food and Ag Lawyer

Rincker Law Food & Ag Law Leave a Comment

For those of you who missed it, the recording of the intellectual property (“IP”) webinar that I moderated for the American Bar Association (“ABA”) General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Division’s Agriculture Law Committee last November is now available for purchase.  Even though I love participating in the live webcasts in case I have a question to ask, recordings are …

Share this Article

Save the Date: ABA Webinar on Intellectual Property Law Affecting Food & Agriculture

Rincker Law Food & Ag Law Leave a Comment

In my duties of Chair of the American Bar Association, General Practice Solo & Small Firm Division’s Agriculture Law Committee, I will be moderating a Continuing Legal Education (“CLE”) webinar for the American Bar Association (“ABA”) on November 19, 2015 from 1:00 to 3:00pm ET titled “Overview of Intellectual Property Law Affecting Farmers, Agri-Businesses and Food Entrepreneurs“.  Faculty members include Joel …

Share this Article

Chair of ABA GP Solo Agriculture Law Committee

Rincker Law Food & Ag Law, Webinars Leave a Comment

For the fifth year in a row, I have been appointed as the Chair of the American Bar Association (“ABA”), General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Division’s (“GP Solo”) Agriculture Law Committee.  I am moderating 2 upcoming webinars for the ABA: 1. “Counseling Farmers & Ranchers, Agri-Businesses and Food Entrepreneurs on Insurance” on September 15, 2015 at 1pm ET 2. …

Share this Article

Save the Date: Ag Law Webinar on Intellectual Property

Rincker Law Webinars Leave a Comment

I will be moderating at webinar for the American Bar Association General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Division’s Agriculture Law Committee titled “Overview of Intellectual Property Law Affecting Farmers, Agri-Businesses and Food Entrepreneurs.”  Faculty members include: Joel Cape, Esq., Brian Gregg, Esq., Drew Kershen, Esq., Martha Noble, Esq. The discussion will include the following: (1) Overview of intellectual property regulation …

Share this Article

Overview of Copyrights

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

Copyright is a form of intellectual property protection provided to the authors of “original works of authorship,” including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works, both published and unpublished. Any expression, however, once written down in unique form, qualifies for copyright protection. Copyright protection comes into being as soon as an expression is recorded in some manner (in …

Share this Article

Protecting the Agri-Business: Managing Contracts, Trademarks and Non-Disclosure Agreements

Rincker Law Business/Commercial Law, Food & Ag Law Leave a Comment

I had a great time speaking about contract management, trademarks and Non-Disclosure Agreements for farms and agri-businesses this week in Ohio.  Please check out my presentation below. [slideshare id=22722659&doc=protectingtheagri-business-130609223950-phpapp01]

Share this Article

Speaking at the Ohio Agriculture Law Symposium

Rincker Law Speaking Engagements Leave a Comment

I’m super excited to be heading back to the Midwest in June – I will be presenting at the Ohio Agriculture Law Symposium June 23-24, 2013 at Cherry Valley Lodge in Newark, Ohio.  On Sunday, June 23, 2013, I will be discussing “Strategies for Developing and Retaining Farm and Agri-Business Clients” along with the great Allen Olson from the Law …

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