For reprint rights or to purchase a copy of your Daily Journal photo, email Jeremy_Ellis@dailyjournal.com for prices or call 213-229-5424.

To buy more copies, call 866-531-1492 or email subscribe@dailyjournal.com
This is the property of the Daily Journal Corporation and fully protected by copyright. It is made available only to Daily Journal subscribers for personal or collaborative purposes and may not be distributed, reproduced, modified, stored or transferred without written permission. Please click "Reprint" to order presentation-ready copies to distribute to clients or use in commercial marketing materials or for permission to post on a website. and copyright (showing year of publication) at the bottom.
Subscribe to the Daily Journal for access to Daily Appellate Reports, Verdicts, Judicial Profiles and more...

Civil Litigation

Nov. 3, 2025

Judge questions trademark claim over Villaraigosa's 'proven problem solver' slogan

A federal judge questioned whether businessman Stephen Cloobeck can bar Antonio Villaraigosa from using "proven problem solver" in his campaign for governor as attorneys debated trademark rights and free speech.

Judge questions trademark claim over Villaraigosa's 'proven problem solver' slogan
Eric M. George of Ellis George LLP

A federal judge in Los Angeles on Friday pressed both sides in a trademark dispute between businessman Stephen J. Cloobeck and former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, as attorneys sparred over whether Villaraigosa's use of the phrase "proven problem solver" in his gubernatorial campaign infringes Cloobeck's trademarked slogan.

Eric M. George of Ellis George LLP in Los Angeles, appearing on behalf of Villaraigosa, said he was "deeply offended" by the lawsuit,...

To continue reading, please subscribe.
For only $95 a month (the price of 2 article purchases)
Receive unlimited article access and full access to our archives,
Daily Appellate Report, award winning columns, and our
Verdicts and Settlements.
Or
$795 for an entire year!

Or access this article for $45
(Purchase provides 7-day access to this article. Printing, posting or downloading is not allowed.)

Already a subscriber?

Enewsletter Sign-up



By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our cookie policy. You can learn more about how we use cookies by reviewing our Privacy Policy here.