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 …
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 …
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 …
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) …
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 …
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’ …
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. …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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
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 …