Food and Agricultural Law Blog

When a loved one passes away without a will in Illinois, their estate doesn’t just disappear—it goes through a legal process called probate. But what does that actually mean? Who gets the property? And how long does it take? In this blog, we share “Illinois Probate 101: What Happens When Someone Dies Without a Will?” to help you understand how ... Read More The post Illinois Probate 101: What Happens When Someone Dies Without a Will? appeared first on Rincker Law, PLLC.

Probate is the legal process of settling a person’s estate after death, but when emotions run high and family dynamics are complex, probate can also become a legal battleground. Whether there’s confusion over the will, resentment between heirs, or questions about how the estate is managed, disputes are common—and they can quickly turn costly. In this blog, we explore “Common ... Read More The post Common Probate Disputes in Illinois and How to Avoid Them appeared first on Rincker Law, PLLC.

In the livestock industry, a cattle brand is more than just a mark, it’s a symbol of heritage, reputation, and the identity of a ranching operation. Traditionally used to identify ownership of livestock, cattle brands can also serve a broader purpose in the modern marketplace. If your cattle brand is being used not just to mark livestock but to promote ... Read More The post Ask Sam: Can You Register a Cattle Brand as a Trademark? appeared first on Rincker Law, PLLC.

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.