David Hoffman
David is a veteran protector of trademarks and copyrights for a wide range of clients from start-ups to multinational corporations.
client roster includes:
technology companies
manufacturers
wineries
apparel & cosmetic companies
internet-based companies
restaurants & hotels
healthcare & rehab facilities
David helps his clients at every stage of developing and registering their mark, from conflict clearance searches and registration to handling oppositions, cancellations, and if need be, litigation.
David, having obtained a civil engineering degree, started out practicing patent law as well as other areas of intellectual property. David learned the IP ropes serving in large and small firms and then ran his own law firm for 18 years. His education and broad experience gives him a unique, practical problem-solving perspective.
In addition to his daily legal practice, David is an author and speaker, regularly publishing and presenting on various aspects of intellectual property law. His book, Sobering Trademark Stories: Costly Mistakes to Avoid, is a great way to learn trademark law while being entertained.
David enjoys doing puzzles, playing bid pitch, fixing things, and wine tasting with his wife Christy.
Bar Admissions
California
Education
University of Pennsylvania, Carey Law School, J.D.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, B.S. Civil Engineering
David’s 2017 book, Sobering Trademark Stories, illustrates the pitfalls of failing to properly clear and protect a company’s mark through examples taken from beer, wine, and liquor companies.
“My clients are worried about securing their own trademark rights and avoiding stepping on the rights of others. Sometimes they are in or about to get in a trademark dispute. I help them navigate the IP world safely so that they can focus on making money, not spending it.”
“I believe in analysis without paralysis. If you don’t understand the problem, you can’t solve it. I love to analyze. Armed with a deep understanding, it is much easier to help business owners make the right decisions.”
representative matters
Won a petition to cancel a competing trademark registration in the restaurant industry
Won summary judgment in trademark cancellation proceeding
Brought petition to cancel a lawsuit enabling registration of client’s key trademark
Obtained hundreds of trademark registrations
Negotiated and drafted trademark licensing agreements for a wine label
Successfully obtained a Chinese trademark registration in an appeal over a Chinese national’s registration