Month: November 2018

If you’re launching a new business, product line, or creative venture, one of the first things you’ll likely think about is the name—your brand identity. But before you start using a name, logo, or slogan publicly, it’s essential to ask: Should I conduct a trademark search first? The short answer is yes. A trademark search is one of the most ... Read More The post Ask Sam: Should I Conduct a Trademark Search Before Using My Trademark? appeared first on Rincker Law, PLLC.

When building a brand, securing a trademark is a critical step, but understanding how long that protection lasts is just as important. Unlike patents or copyrights, trademarks can potentially last forever. However, that protection isn’t automatic or permanent. To keep a trademark active, owners must follow specific legal steps and continue using the mark in commerce. The Basics: Federal Trademark ... Read More The post Ask Sam: How Long Does a Trademark Last? appeared first on Rincker Law, PLLC.

Have a catchy phrase that you want to protect? Whether you’re a small business owner, food producer, or ag entrepreneur, you might be wondering: Can I trademark a catchphrase? The short answer is yes, as long as it meets certain criteria. Here’s what you need to know if you want to legally protect your catchphrase and use it as a ... Read More The post Ask Sam: Can I Trademark a Catchphrase? appeared first on Rincker Law, PLLC.

If you have applied to register your trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”), you may receive something called an “Office Action.” While it can feel discouraging to get one, an Office Action is not a rejection. It is a request for clarification or correction that gives you the opportunity to respond and keep your application moving ... Read More The post Ask Sam: What Should I Do if I Receive an Office Action from the US Patent and Trademark Office? appeared first on Rincker Law, PLLC.

As a family law attorney practicing in Illinois, Greater New York City and Texas, I work with individuals and families navigating some of life’s most emotionally and logistically challenging transitions. Whether you’re going through an uncontested divorce, pursuing mediation or collaborative divorce, or separating as a farming couple with complex property needs, the road ahead can feel uncertain. Books can ... Read More The post Top 10 Books to Help You Through Divorce — With Grace, Strength, and Support appeared first on Rincker Law, PLLC.