Copyrights: What Florida Businesses Need to Know

2. Florida Legal Context

Copyright law is federal law only, governed by the U.S. Copyright Act (17 U.S.C. §101 et seq.).

Key rules:

• Automatic Protection: A work is protected as soon as it is created and fixed in a tangible form.
• Registration: Filing with the U.S. Copyright Office is optional but provides stronger legal remedies, such as the ability to sue for infringement and recover statutory damages.
• Duration: For works created after 1978, protection generally lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years. For works made for hire, the term is 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation, whichever is shorter.
• State Role: Florida courts may handle disputes involving contracts, ownership transfers, or licensing of copyrighted works, but not infringement claims (those belong in federal court).

3. Real-World Application

Examples of copyright use in Florida businesses:

• A Tampa marketing firm copyrights its custom ad designs to prevent competitors from copying them.
• A Miami tech company registers software code to protect against unauthorized use.
• An Orlando wedding photographer relies on copyright to control use of their images.

4. Why It Matters for Business Owners

Copyrights are essential for businesses that create and rely on unique content.

Why they matter:

• Protect creativity: Stops competitors from copying your original work.
• Monetization: Allows licensing, royalties, and additional revenue streams.
• Legal leverage: Registration provides stronger remedies in infringement lawsuits.
• Investor confidence: Shows your intellectual property is documented and protected.

Common mistakes Florida businesses make:

• Assuming copyright registration is automatic (while protection is automatic, registration strengthens enforcement).
• Using stock images or content without proper licenses.
• Not creating clear “work for hire” agreements with contractors.
• Overlooking copyrights for websites, podcasts, or software.

5. Real-World Florida Examples

• A Sarasota business won damages in federal court after a competitor copied and republished its website content.
• A Jacksonville videographer enforced copyright rights against a client who used their work without full payment.
• A Fort Lauderdale startup lost potential investors after failing to secure copyright ownership of its app code created by contractors.

6. How Our Law Firm Can Help

At Black Rock Trial Lawyers, we help businesses secure and enforce copyrights. Our services include:

• Registering copyrights with the U.S. Copyright Office
• Drafting “work for hire” and licensing agreements
• Advising on use of third-party content to avoid infringement
• Enforcing copyrights in infringement disputes
• Counseling startups, media companies, and creative professionals on copyright strategies

We make sure your creative assets are legally protected and positioned for growth.

7. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Do I need to register a copyright for protection?
A: No, protection is automatic, but registration is required to file a lawsuit and claim statutory damages.

Q: How long does copyright last?
A: Life of the author plus 70 years, or 95 years from publication for works for hire.

Q: Can I copyright my business name or logo?
A: No. Names and logos are protected by trademark law, not copyright.

Q: Can I use content from the internet if I give credit?
A: No. Giving credit does not eliminate infringement — you need permission or a license.

Q: Why hire a lawyer for copyright matters?
A: A lawyer ensures ownership is clear, registers works properly, and enforces your rights in court if needed.

8. How to Retain Our Law Firm

We offer multiple access points tailored to your needs:

• Flat-Fee Retainers: Set pricing based on project scope (quoted after your consultation)
• 1-Hour Strategy Consultations: A high-impact session to assess your issues, answer questions, and develop a legal roadmap. Pricing starts at $500.00.
• 3-Hour Master Strategy Sessions: A deep dive analysis with detailed, actionable solutions tailored to your business challenges
• Flagship Product: BELAW – Business + Entrepreneurship Law Advisor Program (Read below)

All services are available in-person, by phone, or virtually.

9. Flagship Product: BELAW – Business + Entrepreneurship Law Advisor Program

Our flagship service is the BELAW Membership – Business & Entrepreneurship Law Advisor Program. This is an exclusive, members-only, 12-month ON-DEMAND legal and business support program at a predictable flat monthly fee, tailored to each business client—regardless of company size.

BELAW is open to business owners, entrepreneurs, for-profit companies, non-profits, and foreign investors. Our members range from startups and nonprofits to established businesses.

At the core of BELAW is our P.O.N.C.E. methodology, developed by Attorney Gil Sanchez, to help businesses not just stay protected—but grow strategically.

What you get with BELAW:

• On demand strategic legal consultations with Attorney Gil Sanchez
• Document review and compliance audits
• Guidance on contracts, leasing, employment, and liability
• Drafting Collection Notices, Cease & Desist Letters and Confidentiality Agreements
• Proactive legal support to mitigate lawsuits and reduce risk exposure
• Strategic input on revenue-generating decisions like expansion, licensing, and joint ventures
• Entrepreneur coaching and a growing library of business education resources
• Litigation retainer and hourly rate discounts

We’re available when you need us—on demand, without hourly billing.

We make it easy to get started:

• Call or text us at (813) 254-1777
• Or fill out the secure contact form below

A member of our team will respond promptly to schedule your consultation.

10. How to Contact Our Law Firm to Retain

We make it easy for you to retain us:

• Call or text: (813) 254-1777
• Email: info@blackrocklaw.com
• Or submit your request using the form below

Our team will promptly follow up to confirm availability and next steps.

11. Who You Are Hiring

When you hire our firm, you’re not just hiring a lawyer — you’re securing the insight, grit, and expertise of Attorney Gil Sanchez.

A proud double Gator, Gil earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Florida — one of the top public universities in the country. Since 2004, he has built a reputation as a formidable business and trial attorney, successfully trying cases before juries in both Florida state and federal courts.

Gil’s legal practice is deeply informed by real-life experience. He launched his first business at age 13 and has continued to build, lead, and advise companies ever since. He’s a licensed business broker (since 2007), an adjunct professor of entrepreneurship at St. Petersburg College, and a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs, professionals, and business owners across Florida.

He’s also an inventor, author, and public speaker — holding a U.S. utility patent and federal trademark. His invention was featured in TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2023, and his legal insights have appeared on CNN, ABC’s 20/20, and other national platforms. Raised by Colombian parents in West Virginia and fluent in Spanish, Gil brings cultural fluency, resilience, and a fighter’s mindset to every client matter.

Above all, Gil is a devoted family man — happily married and the proud father of three beautiful children. His commitment to family shapes the way he practices law: with empathy, integrity, and a relentless drive to protect what matters most.

At Black Rock Trial Lawyers, you’re not just getting a legal technician — you’re hiring a battle-tested strategist who understands both the courtroom and the real world. That’s who’s fighting for you.

12. The Law Firm’s Geographical Reach

We proudly represent businesses across all counties in Florida. With the power of virtual consultations, online filings, and remote court access, we can support your legal needs anywhere in Florida—without compromising service quality.

Our main office is in South Tampa, Florida, with a satellite office in South Florida – Miramar, Florida.

From Miami to Jacksonville, Pensacola to Key West—Black Rock Trial Lawyers is here to help Florida businesses thrive.

13. Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, legal advice. Every individual and business matter involves unique facts and circumstances that must be carefully evaluated. Additionally, Florida laws, including statutes and case law, are subject to frequent changes, and the information presented here may not reflect the most current legal developments. For a formal legal opinion or advice specific to your situation, you must consult directly with an attorney at our firm. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this site or by contacting our office through this website.