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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Safeguard Your Brand: Why Small Business Owners in NYC Should Consider Trademark Protection

Cari RinckerBusiness/Commercial Law, Intellectual Property

In the bustling and competitive landscape of New York City, small business owners and entrepreneurs face numerous challenges. Building a unique brand that stands out in the crowd is no easy task, but it is essential for success. One powerful tool that can help safeguard your brand identity is securing a trademark. Whether it’s a word mark or a design …

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Client Cosmolex Portal

Rincker LawRincker Law services

Rincker Law, PLLC has been using Cosmolex for the last year.  Cosmolex offers an opportunity for us to have a Client Cosmolex Portal.  Client invoices, court pleadings, and correspondence is saved into your Cosmolex portal.  You are also able to upload documents into the portal to send them to us.  This can work great for confidential documents such as tax …

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Ask Stephanie: What Trademark Issues Apply to Livestock Photographers?

Rincker LawIntellectual Property, Trademarks

The U.S. Trademark office states that a trademark is “a word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, use or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the good/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services.” Trademarks may either be on a mark or image. In order for something to …

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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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