In an unusual turn in the governor's career, a rich Democratic businessman is demanding former mayor of Los Angeles, Antonio Villaraigosa, about 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 Villaraigosa this week after the former mayor was repeatedly described as a “proven problem solving” in campaign materials.
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 Villaraigosa on Tuesday night, although the former mayor has not yet received.
The demand argues that Cloobck has been using the phrase since March 2024, and that “has acquired a wide good will, developed a high degree of distinctive nature and has become famous, well known and recognized as identifying the Cloobck campaign.”
“In the light of fame, good will and the general recognition of the consumer of [the phrase Cloobeck is seeking to patent, he] It is very worried that the public is probably confused or mistakenly created that the Villaraigosa campaign is backed, approved, sponsored by or affiliated, connected or associated with “Villaraigosa, alleges the demand.
Cloobck and Villaraigosa are two Democrats who run in a 2026 governor field more full of people to replace Governor Gavin Newsom.
The representatives of Villaraigosa were incredulous 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 from the Villaraigosa 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 Villaraigosa, whom he knows during 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.
“Their response, or Antonio's lack of response to me, is frankly offensive,” he said, added that 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 like to step on even more carefully because they do not want to take phrases from the political debate,” said Jessica Levinson, a professor of electoral law at the Loyola Law School.
“This sounds more like a political tactic than a legal tactic,” Levinson added.
