Food and Agricultural Law Blog

If you’re thinking about protecting your brand name, logo, slogan, or other distinctive mark, you’re likely considering a federal trademark. But once you file an application, who actually reviews it? The answer: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”). What is the USPTO? The USPTO is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce. It’s responsible for granting ... Read More The post Ask Sam: What Agency Handles the Review of Trademark Applications? appeared first on Rincker Law, PLLC.

On January 24, 2025, the Illinois Supreme Court issued a significant decision in Mercado v. S&C Electric Co., 2025 IL 129526, clarifying the treatment of performance bonuses under the Illinois Minimum Wage Law (“IMWL”). The Court held that performance bonuses which are not measured by or dependent on hours worked must still be included in the “regular rate” of pay ... Read More The post Illinois Supreme Court Clarifies Treatment of Performance Bonuses in Overtime Calculations under Minimum Wage Law appeared first on Rincker Law, PLLC.

If you’re starting a business or nonprofit in Illinois, you might be wondering: Can I Form an LLC or Nonprofit Without a Lawyer in Illinois? The short answer is yes, you can form an LLC or nonprofit without a lawyer in Illinois. The Illinois Secretary of State allows you to file all the necessary documents on your own. But the ... Read More The post Can I Form an LLC or Nonprofit Without a Lawyer in Illinois? appeared first on Rincker Law, PLLC.

Forming a corporation in Illinois can be a smart legal and strategic move for entrepreneurs who want liability protection, credibility, and the ability to scale. But the process involves more than just filing a form—you must meet specific state requirements and make important legal and tax decisions. At Rincker Law PLLC, we help business owners across Illinois form corporations the ... Read More The post How to Form a Corporation in Illinois: Legal Checklist for 2025 appeared first on Rincker Law, PLLC.

When we think about protecting a brand, trademarks like names, logos, and slogans often come to mind. But there’s another powerful and often overlooked form of intellectual property: trade dress. So, what exactly is trade dress, and why should businesses care about it? Trade Dress Defined Trade dress refers to the visual appearance of a product or its packaging that ... Read More The post Ask Sam: What is Trade Dress? appeared first on Rincker Law, PLLC.