Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp

Previous career in computer industry, head of advanced software development and systems architecture for joint venture of two major computer manufacturers. Active in community affairs and politics in Sacramento, California. Former lobbyist for motorcyclists' rights in California legislature. Represented scores of trademark owners (including a world-famous brand) and content creators, consistently achieving clients' goals against some formidable adversaries including Marvel, Viacom, Electronic Arts, and Alexander McQueen.

Business Law

Business Contracts, Business Formation, Business Litigation

Trademarks

Trademark Litigation, Trademark Registration

Intellectual Property

• Copyright litigation

• Free Consultation
• Credit Cards Accepted
• Contingent Fees
  Strong cases may be accepted on contingent fee basis
• Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
  Bills hourly or charges a flat fee, depending on the type of matter.

California

Since 1981

Trademark counsel

Hells Angels Motorcycle Corporation

1992 - 2016

Brand management, infringement litigation

University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law

J.D. (1981)

1978 - 1981

California State Bar  # 99197

Member

1981 - Current

Q. How would I trademark my Game?

June 9, 2023

A: First, before you commit to using a specific text and/or design as the trademark, you should consult an experienced trademark attorney to perform a search and opinion that the proposed mark is not confusingly similar to any other mark in use (whether registered or not) and is sufficiently distinctive to be registered. Then, your attorney would immediately submit an "intent to use" application for registration of the mark even before selling the product, because it takes over 8 months before an application is reviewed by a USPTO trademark examiner. By that time, assuming you had begun use of the mark, the application could be amended to reflect that the mark is in use and the process for registration will continue.

Q. Hello There is some confusion about Dizzy Gillespie.

May 30, 2023

A: The Gillespie Trust owns six active registrations for the text mark (name) DIZZY GILLESPIE, as used on valve oil, recording, mouthpieces, songbooks, trumpet polishing kits, and entertainment services. If there is a design mark depicting the person Dizzy Gillespie, it would not infringe the registered text mark for the goods and services.

Q. Am I required to do attestations in all 50 states for federal trademark? Company filed with asking $73 x 50 = $3650

May 25, 2023

A: Your application SN 97643107 for federal registration of the mark HERCULES DOCK BUMPERS was filed 10/21/2022 by attorney Sandy Lipkin and is awaiting assignment to an examining attorney, which currently takes 8.5 months. If the registration is granted, it will be effective throughout the US and all 50 states. There is no reason for you to have "attestations" or state registrations for the mark, and if your attorney says you do she is misleading you.