WHEREAS, for 25 years, Erik M. Pelton & Associates, PLLC, a boutique trademark law firm in Falls Church, has helped businesses protect their brands and intellectual property, while providing generous outreach to the members of the greater community; and

WHEREAS, founded in Arlington in 1999, Erik M. Pelton & Associates has registered more than 4,000 trademarks with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on behalf of hundreds of businesses in Northern Virginia and clients around the country and the world; and

WHEREAS, Erik M. Pelton & Associates helped secure trademarks for local clients like Sisler Stone, Eden Center, Clare and Don's Beach Shack, Lazy Mike's, Dominion Wine and Beer, Bikenetic, Functional Fitness, Rock Star Realty, Viget, and many others; the firm proudly worked with the Falls Church Economic Development Authority to secure protection for the name and logo of The Little City; and

WHEREAS, Erik M. Pelton & Associates is a recognized leader in the field of trademark law; Erik Pelton teaches law courses at Howard University and Georgetown University, is a sought-after speaker at conferences and events, and has held leadership positions in several peer and professional organizations; and

WHEREAS, Erik M. Pelton & Associates has provided generous pro bono services to dozens of businesses owned by military veterans and their spouses and nonprofit organizations like Creative Cauldron and Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation; and

WHEREAS, the staff of Erik M. Pelton & Associates have further enhanced community life by donating their time and leadership to career fairs and other events, as well as mentoring law students in area schools; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Erik M. Pelton & Associates, PLLC, hereby be commended on the occasion of its 25th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Erik M. Pelton & Associates, PLLC, as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for the firm's outstanding service to businesses throughout the Commonwealth and the United States.