Practice areas
I provide practical legal advice with an eye toward achieving your business objectives in an economically efficient manner. That may be early negotiated settlement. It may be zealous advocacy in court. No matter the dispute, the client and I identify the problem, identify the goal, and develop and implement the strategy together.
20 years
The brand of a business is symbolized its trademarks-those words, logos, slogans, and so on that distinguish the business from competitors. I help the business select, establish, and protect its marks.
20 years
9 years
A business can readily identify its tangible property--its real estate and things. But what about intangible property? Does it own valuable trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and so on? I help the business identify and protect these assets.
20 years
Languages spoken
English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
CA | Active | 2001 | 06/15/2022 |
Legal answers | 3 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
2022 Southern California Super Lawyers | Super Lawyers | 2022 |
2021 Southern California Super Lawyers | Super Lawyers | 2021 |
2020 Southern California Super Lawyers | Super Lawyers | 2020 |
The Order of the Coif | McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific | 2001 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Partner | Fortis LLP | 2018 - Present |
Trustee, Board of Trustees | Veterans Legal Institute | 2017 - Present |
Attorney | Friedman Stroffe & Gerard, P.C. A Law Corporation | 2007 - 2018 |
Attorney | Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis, LLP Attorneys At Law | 2005 - 2007 |
Attorney | Dubia, Erickson & Tenerelli, LLP | 2003 - 2005 |
Attorney | Ropers Majeski Kohn & Bentley | 2001 - 2003 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
State Bar of California | Member | 2001 - Present |
Orange County Bar Association, Entertainment, Sports & Marketing Section | Chair | 2015 - 2015 |
Orange County Bar Association, Entertainment, Sports & Marketing Section | Chair Elect | 2014 - 2014 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Military Spouse Magazine | Intellectual Property: A Critical Asset For Any Business | 2020 |
FOB: Financial Operating Base | Tips To Strengthen Your Trademarks | 2018 |
DVBN (Distillers, Vintners, Brewers Network) eMagazine April 2018 | IP Concerns? | 2018 |
Shop Eat Surf | A Picture May Be Worth A Thousand Words…And Dollars: Avoiding Liability for the Use of Images on the Web | 2017 |
Clear Your Trademark Like A Panther | 2017 |
Shop Eat Surf | If Your Confidentiality Agreements Do Not Comply With New Federal Law, You Are Leaving Money On The Table | 2016 |
Shop Eat Surf | Conducting an Exit Interview that Effectively Safeguards Your Company’s Secrets | 2015 |
McGeorge Law Review | Mystery of the Ages: Applying Fair Use in Light of the Purposes of Copyright in Worldwide Church of God v. Philadelphia Church of God, Inc. | 2001 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific | JD - Juris Doctor | 2001 |
University of Washington | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1998 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Wounded Warrior Cohort of Service2CEO | Legal Considerations for entity selection, brand protection, contracts & human resources | 2022 |
The 19: Entrepreneur Edition with Andy Nelson | Proactive Intellectual Property Protection | 2022 |
From Service To Success | The Journey of Serving in The Army to Becoming a Trademark & Copyright Attorney | 2022 |
Drop and Give Me 20! Podcast | Intellectual Property Concerns For Military Community Entrepreneurs | 2022 |
Business & Art Infusion Summit | Understanding The Value Of Intellectual Property | 2022 |
100 Entrepreneurs Project | Intellectual Property Basics | 2022 |
Trademark Attorney Andy Nelson: Protecting Your Brand | Comprehensive Brand Protection | 2021 |
Talking Trademarks And Intellectual Property with Vetpreneur and Attorney Andy Nelson | Transitioning From Military Service To Intellectual Property Attorney | 2021 |
WVET (Powered By LiftFund) Webinar Series | Protecting Your Brand (Trademarks) | 2020 |
Veterans Be Real Podcast, Episode 29 | Transitioning from the Army to Becoming a Lawyer | 2020 |
Media 1099 Creative Interviews: Episode 84 "Intellectual Property" with Andrew Nelson | Intellectual Property for Creatives | 2020 |
AMSE Monthly Masterclass | Protecting Intellectual Property for Military Spouse Entrepreneurs | 2020 |
Straight Outta Combat Podcast - Episode 77 | Going With The Flow, Thinking Big, Hunger & Drive | 2019 |
FOB: Financial Operating Base Podcast | Intellectual Property - Risks, Protections, Considerations | 2019 |
Facebook Live with Wise Advise + Assist Team | Small Business 101 | 2019 |
Vet2BizLife Podcast, Episode 52 | From Enlisted Army Airborne Infantryman To Practicing Intellectual Property Law In Southern California | 2018 |
The Ambitious Vet Podcast | Transitioning From An Army Grunt To An Intellectual Property Lawyer Servicing Military Community Entrepreneurs | 2018 |
Military Influencer Conference - Orlando | Deep Dive Into Trademarks | 2018 |
Live with Facebook Group Marketing/Social Media Tips for Military-Focused Businesses & Entrepreneurs | Intellectual Property: Why Small Businesses Should Be Concerned | 2018 |
Cigars & Sea Stories Podcast | Protection Of Intellectual Property For Military Community Entrepreneurs | 2018 |
OCCSEA Quarterly Seminar | Tips for Dispute Avoidance in the Construction Industry | 2015 |
Interior Design - Business & Professional Practice | Intellectual Property for Interior Design Professionals | 2014 |
6th Annual Change Order Prevention Seminar | Strategies to Avoid or Minimize Disputes through Effective Communication | 2014 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Vitatech Int’l, Inc. v. Sporn (2017) 16 Cal.App.5th 796 | Reversal |
Hyundai Amco America, Inc v. S3H, Inc., 232 Cal.App.4th 572 (2014) | Upon remand from the appellate court following successful appeal, opposing party dismissed its lawsuit against client. |
Posted by Chan
June 12, 2020
Posted by Annette
June 3, 2020
Posted by Chrissa
March 13, 2020
Posted by Angel Lebak
January 15, 2020
Posted by Christina
September 20, 2019
Posted by Brunella
December 26, 2018
Posted by Steve
November 1, 2018
Posted by Brandon
October 17, 2018
Posted by Martin
October 13, 2018
Posted by anonymous
September 14, 2018
Sona Dalal, Intellectual property Attorney on Mar 18, 2019
Relationship: Friend
Andy's expertise is in no way limited to intellectual property, copyright, and trademark applications. He is adept in several legal fields. More importantly, he truly understands his colleagues and clients and simplifies the process in a way that makes sense. Further, he is philanthropic by nature and can always be seen giving back to his communities and fellow veterans. Andy is a trustworthy, honest, and considerate colleague. He helped my husband and I on an matter that was beyond my scope of practice and helped ease my concerns over the matter. I will never hesitate to refer my clients, friends, and family to Andy.
Brian Davis, Lawsuits and disputes Attorney on Jan 29, 2019
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Andy is an excellent attorney. I have worked with him on several matters and can state unequivocally he is an excellent litigator and is always focused on his client's best interests.
Sona Dalal, Intellectual property Attorney on Mar 18, 2019
Relationship: Friend
Andy's expertise is in no way limited to intellectual property, copyright, and trademark applications. He is adept in several legal fields. More importantly, he truly understands his colleagues and clients and simplifies the process in a way that makes sense. Further, he is philanthropic by nature and can always be seen giving back to his communities and fellow veterans. Andy is a trustworthy, honest, and considerate colleague. He helped my husband and I on an matter that was beyond my scope of practice and helped ease my concerns over the matter. I will never hesitate to refer my clients, friends, and family to Andy.
Brian Davis, Lawsuits and disputes Attorney on Jan 29, 2019
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Andy is an excellent attorney. I have worked with him on several matters and can state unequivocally he is an excellent litigator and is always focused on his client's best interests.
William Huestis, Intellectual property Attorney on Jul 26, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Andrew has a sharp legal mind. He thinks about problems from many different angles and is able to provide effective counsel.
Hogan Song, Business Attorney on Jul 8, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Joshua Meier, Litigation Attorney on Sep 26, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Andy is a great lawyer and a great person. He is excellent at analyzing cases and coming up with a practical game plan to reaching a resolution. He is always trying to find solutions that are in his client's best interest. I highly recommend Andy!
Lael Andara, Intellectual property Attorney on Jun 26, 2007
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I highly endorse this lawyer's work. Specifically, he is an excellant legal writer.
Cash, Check, Credit Card