Fort Lauderdale Sports, IP & Entertainment Law Attorneys | Heitner Legal
Two serial copyright plaintiffs have been active in federal courts across the country since the start of 2026, and if you operate a media company, a fashion brand, or a Spanish-language broadcasting outlet, there is a meaningful chance you are already named in one of their complaints or will be soon. Ramales Photography LLC and […]
In 2021, we published a guide on how to properly deal with a PicRights copyright demand letter. Since then, Heitner Legal has handled thousands of these matters. While the core of PicRights’ business remains the same, their tactics and the legal landscape have evolved. If you’ve received a demand from PicRights on behalf of entities […]
Have you recently received a threatening email or a thick envelope from the Law Firm of Higbee & Associates? If you feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or like you’re being targeted by a “scam,” you aren’t alone. At Heitner Legal, we have represented thousands of individuals and small businesses facing these exact copyright infringement claims. Contact us […]
The Supreme Court handed down a landmark copyright decision on March 25, 2026, that will reshape how courts analyze contributory infringement claims against internet service providers and potentially beyond. In Cox Communications, Inc. v. Sony Music Entertainment, the Court reversed a $1 billion verdict against Cox and made clear that simply knowing your service is […]
If you’ve received a demand letter from Copycat Legal, been sued by Prepared Food Photos, Inc., or found yourself in the crosshairs of a stock photo copyright infringement claim, a brand-new federal court ruling deserves your attention. On March 18, 2026, U.S. District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller of the Eastern District of Wisconsin issued a significant […]
Heitner Legal is proud to announce a decisive victory on behalf of our client, Mac Jones, quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. On December 2, 2025, the U.S. Copyright Claims Board dismissed with prejudice all claims brought against Jones by psychologist Keith Bell, finding that Jones’s use of Bell’s copyrighted material constituted fair use under […]
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 […]
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 […]
Have you received a demand letter from Visual Rights Group claiming that you have used an unlicensed image from a photographer such as Vincent Laforet Productions, Inc.? If so, then you are among many who have received such a letter. We have had numerous clients send us these letters from Visual Rights Group for review, […]
Recent decisions in the Southern District of Florida continue to shape how courts approach the statute of limitations in copyright infringement cases. The February 27, 2025 decision in Affordable Aerial Photography, Inc. v. Beach Town Real Estate, LLC provides important insights into how courts apply the “discovery rule” in copyright cases and what constitutes reasonable […]
In recent years, generative artificial intelligence has transformed how creative content is produced, raising critical questions about copyright protection. The U.S. Copyright Office has been exploring these questions, particularly focusing on when AI-generated materials merit copyright protection. Detailed in a comprehensive report, their findings provide important insights for creators and businesses navigating this evolving landscape. […]