Derek Allen Colvin

Derek is a business minded attorney laser-focused on results. He possess the knowledge and experience to serve all your business legal needs. His primary practice is in the areas of business, franchising, and litigation.

Business Law

Business Contracts, Business Dissolution, Business Finance, Business Formation, Business Litigation, Franchising, Mergers & Acquisitions, Partnership & Shareholder Disputes

Arbitration & Mediation

Business Arbitration, Consumer Arbitration, Family Arbitration

Trademarks

Trademark Litigation, Trademark Registration

Intellectual Property

International Law

Imports & Exports

Construction Law

Construction Contracts, Construction Liens, Construction Litigation

• Free Consultation
• Credit Cards Accepted

Virginia

Virginia State Bar

ID Number: 78383

Since 2009

Partner

Waldrop & Colvin

2022 - Current

Assistant General Counsel

Loyalty Brands

2022 - 2022

Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney

Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, City of Suffolk

2015 - 2021

Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, City of Portsmouth

2009 - 2015

Pennsylvania State University

J.D.

2006 - 2009

Old Dominion University

2002 - 2006

Five Years of Service

City of Suffolk

2021

Five Years of Service

City of Portsmouth

2014

Service to Law Enforcement

City of Portsmouth Police Department

2013

Recognized by the Police Department for the City of Portsmouth, Virginia for Service to Law Enforcement in connection with the successful prosecution of multiple defendants arising from the attempted capital murder of a law enforcement officer.

Virginia State Bar  # 78383

Member

2009 - Current

FTC Proposal to Ban Non-Compete Agreements

Waldrop and Colvin Legal Blog

January 9, 2023

Franchising in Virginia

Lawrina

2022

Key Elements of a Vendor Agreement

Lawrina

2022

How to Franchise a Business

DocPro

December 20, 2022

Civil Asset Forfeiture in Virginia, Citizens Academy, Suffolk, Virginia

2019

Attorney

Virginia State Bar

2009

Q. Does VA law require a notary to sign when notarizing a document?

January 26, 2023

A: There are seven (7) items required for the notary to state on each document being notarized: 1. The name of the county or independent city in which the document is signed 2. The date the document is signed. 3. The notarial statement – what is being notarized (i.e. a signature, a true copy of an original, or an oath) 4. The notary’s signature 5. The date that the notary’s commission expires (month, day, year) 6. Notary registration number 7. Photographically reproducible notary seal/stamp

Q. Can someone with a nonviolent drug felony visit a home where the homeowner owns guns. In Virginia.

January 26, 2023

A: It is unlawful for a felon to be in possession of a firearm unless they have had their right to possess a firearm restored. Possession can be actual or constructive and is very fact specific. Actual is obvious, but constructive can be tricky. In court, the questions considered for constructive possession are essentially (1) did the person have knowledge of the presence of the firearm and (2) did the person have the ability to possess the firearm. Possession can be proven by direct evidence, circumstantial evidence, or a combination of both. Charges stack up if someone possess both guns and drugs. No one can say there is no risk to having a felon in a home with firearms; however, homeowners can take steps to safeguard any firearms in a location where a guest can access them and reduce risk. The effectiveness of the safeguards will be fact specific.

Q. Tatsuro & Mariya (by Smile Company Ltd.); Can You Have "Tatsuro & Mariya" Had a Trademark?

December 30, 2022

A: If you are referring to the process of applying for a federally registered trademark, it depends. Trademark protection can be granted for words, designs, etc., but the mark must be unique and suitable for registration. An attorney would need to know more about your use of "Tatsuro & Mariya" to advise on the suitability and likelihood of obtaining registration.