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 marks, 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 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. But coming to these decisions should be done with pragmatic mindfulness.

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


 
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Wendy Heimann | Co-Managing Partner

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Heather Mayer | Partner