In an unusual turn in the governor’s career, a rich Democratic businessman, demanding the former mayor of Los Angeles, Antonio Villarigosa, exceeds the use of a common phrase in political campaigns.
Stephen Cloobck, a philanthropist and Democratic donor who made his fortune in real estate and hospitality, filed a lawsuit against Villarigosa this week after the former mayor repeatedly described the material.
Cloobck, who requested a federal brand of the phrase “I am a problem solving proven,” he sent a text message with the Federal Demand to Villarigosa on Tuesday night, he thought that the former mayor has not yet served.
The demand argues that Cloobck has been using the phrase since March 2024, and that it has acquired a wide good will, developed a high degree of distinctive nature and has become famous, well known and recognized. “
“In the light of fame, good will and the general recognition of the consumer of [the phrase Cloobeck is seeking to patent, he] He is very concerned that the public is probably confused or mistakenly created that the Villaigosa campaign is supported, approved, sponsored by or affiliated, connected or associated with “Villarigosa, alleges the demand.
Cloobck and Villarigosa are two Democrats running in a 2026 governor field more full of people to replace Governor Gavin Newsom.
Villarigosa representatives were unbelievers that a phrase used by politicians and elected officials throughout the country would be the subject of litigation.
“This is completely ridiculous. This demand is a joke,” said Josh Pulliam, a strategist of the Villaigosa governor campaign. “Antonio launched his campaign in his registry as a proven problem solving, and Cloobck wants to avoid that he say that? We believe they are totally ridiculous and Trump tactics. Who knows what to look for next?”
Cloobck said he tried to get Villarigosa, who knows for a quarter of a century, stop using the phrase and only filed the demand after a lack of response to text messages, telephone calls and requests from a face -to -face meeting.
“Their response, or Antonio’s lack of response to me, is frankly offensive,” he said they had lounge lounge in Beverly Hills six weeks ago. “You can be friends and have a commercial disagreement.”
Legal scholars said the demand has few chances of success.
“The statement that this is a unique or distinctive phrase that could be registered is very difficult to succeed. In the political context, people would do it because to step on equally more careful because you do not want to take the political debate, the Faculty of Law said.
“This sounds more like a political tactic than a legal tactic,” Levinson added.
