Here's an idea: only let people patent stuff that other people aren't likely to arrive at independently as soon as they're faced with the same problem.
Of course, since I can't put "Esq." after my name or "Congressman" in front of it, I don't expect this advice to be taken very seriously when I submit it to the USPTO.
"In short, the situation is that those who are in situation where questions might arise about their possession of an active law license ... should be careful about using "Esquire" or any other designation that might lead to confusion. For others, the problem simply does not exist. Someone who never went to law school, never practiced law, and has a career unrelated to the legal profession (such as selling ice cream), will not be mistaken for a lawyer and can call himself "esquire" to his hearts content."
Of course, since I can't put "Esq." after my name or "Congressman" in front of it, I don't expect this advice to be taken very seriously when I submit it to the USPTO.