Fort Lauderdale Sports, IP & Entertainment Law Attorneys | Heitner Legal
In a landmark decision that will reverberate throughout the entertainment industry, Judge Jeannette A. Vargas of the Southern District of New York dismissed Drake’s defamation lawsuit against UMG Recordings over Kendrick Lamar’s explosive diss track “Not Like Us.” The October 9, 2025 ruling provides critical guidance for artists, entertainers, and public figures navigating the intersection […]
As a creator in today’s digital landscape, you’ve likely heard that your work is automatically protected by copyright the moment you create it. While this is technically true, it’s only half the story, and relying on this incomplete understanding could leave you defenseless when it matters most. The Automatic Copyright Myth Yes, copyright protection begins […]
At Heitner Legal, P.L.L.C., we are thrilled to announce a significant win for our client, Aaron Turner, in a high-stakes arbitration proceeding under the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) Regulations Governing Player Agents. On September 10, 2025, Arbitrator Jeffrey Mishkin issued a Final Award in favor of Mr. Turner, granting him full entitlement to his […]
Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick’s recent foray into trademark applications has hit some significant roadblocks, providing a valuable case study in why proper trademark due diligence and experienced legal counsel are essential for successful brand protection. The Applications That Didn’t Make the Cut Belichick, through his company TCE Rights Management LLC, filed […]
Welcome to this week’s Trademark Tuesday! We’re excited to highlight our clients’ latest trademark registrations that demonstrate the diverse range of businesses securing their intellectual property rights. From cutting-edge digital entertainment to essential services, this week’s featured registrations show how trademark protection serves businesses across every sector. Featured New Trademark Registrations SUPERPHASED – Reg. No. […]
If you’ve recently filed a trademark application, you may have received what appears to be an official notice requesting payment for “publication fees” or similar services. Stop before you pay. These documents are likely scams designed to exploit trademark applicants who are unfamiliar with the legitimate USPTO process. The Reality of Trademark Scams Trademark scams […]
Welcome to another edition of Trademark Tuesday! This week, we’re celebrating three exciting trademark registrations that showcase the diversity of innovation in today’s marketplace. From virtual entertainment to travel services to music technology, these newly registered marks represent the cutting edge of their respective industries. HYPERREAL: Pioneering Virtual Entertainment Registration No. 7,922,182 | HYPERREAL DIGITAL, […]
If you’ve been in the restaurant, food service, or digital marketing industry for any length of time, you’ve likely heard of Prepared Food Photos – the notorious copyright enforcement entity that has sent thousands of demand letters and filed numerous lawsuits against businesses for alleged unauthorized use of food photography. Many business owners and their […]
A high-stakes lawsuit reveals the complex intersection of social media fame, copyright law, and unauthorized commercial use In a case that highlights the evolving challenges of intellectual property in the digital age, FJerry LLC—the company behind the wildly popular “DudeWithSign” social media phenomenon—has filed a federal lawsuit against Cookie Enterprises, Inc. for allegedly copying their […]
In a stunning intersection of celebrity sports law and luxury real estate litigation, a Hawaii state court complaint filed on August 8, 2025, has thrust Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani and his agent Nez Balelo into a complex legal battle involving tortious interference and unjust enrichment claims. The case, filed in Hawaii’s First Circuit […]
Welcome to the inaugural edition of Trademark Tuesday – our new weekly series celebrating the trademark registrations that crossed the finish line each Tuesday. Weekly, we will showcase the brands and businesses that have achieved federal trademark protection, highlighting the innovation, creativity, and strategic thinking behind each successful registration. This week marks an especially exciting […]
In a fascinating intersection of intellectual property and sports law, Baylor University has filed a federal trademark infringement lawsuit against Boston University, challenging Boston’s use of an interlocking “BU” design that Baylor claims is “essentially identical” to its own federally registered trademark. Filed in the Western District of Texas on August 8, 2025, this case […]