Cases
Experience: Media law, defamation
First Amendment litigation: Patrick Reed v. Bloomberg L.P., et al. (M.D. Fla. 2023): Defeated high-profile defamation case filed by controversial pro golfer Patrick Reed against Bloomberg, its reporter
others, seeking almost $1 billion, arising from coverage of LIV Golf/PGA Tour dispute
briefed
argued winning Motion to Dismiss Reed's Complaint, on First Amendment
related defenses, resulting in 78-page opinion dismissing all claims with prejudice. Affirmed by the Eleventh Circuit on appeal. See, Reed v. Chamblee, 2023 WL 6292578 (M.D. Fla. Sept. 27, 2023)
Golfer Patrick Reed's Defamation Suits Tossed By Fla. Judge, Law360, Sept. 27, 2023
Golfer's Defamation Suits Not Up To Par, 11th Circ. Says, Law360, July 10, 2025.
Wood v. Netflix, et al. (M.D. Fla. 2025) (Honeywell, J.): Defeated defamation, libel per se, libel per quod,
related claims against the Host of the Netflix documentary series 'Who Killed Malcom X?,' in 60-page Order granting dismissal of all claims.
Sklarov v. Bloomberg, Inc.
Bloomberg L.P. (Orange County Cir. Ct. 2023): Defended media organizations on libel
liber per se claims arising from news article reporting on federal trademark lawsuit against plaintiff, raising issues under fair report
substantial truth doctrines.
Grossman v. Mayotte (Palm Beach County Cir. Ct. 2021): Defeated defamation claims arising from campaign literature filed against local political c
idate, involving novel application of Florida's Anti-SLAPP law,
fair report, opinion,
substantial truth defenses. Obtained Final Judgment in favor of political c
idate.
Ritter v. Sarasota Herald-Tribune (Sarasota County Cir. Ct. 2020): Defended
resolved libel claims against Sarasota newspaper
Pulitzer-prize winning reporters in high-profile, contentious defamation claim filed by former head of prominent local charity, arising from in-depth investigative reporting comprised of extended series of articles spanning several months, involving Complaint in excess of 1,000 pages alleging falsity of dozens of statements.
Goodman v. Gannett (N.D. Fla. May 11, 2020): Obtained dismissal of claims based on newspaper's alleged publication of plaintiff's photo.
McMillan v. McMillan (Seminole County Cir. Ct. 2019): Defeated libel
sl
er claims brought by famous animal trainer against celebrity animal trainer seeking to enjoin publication of memoir.
Enigma Software v. Bleeping Computer (S.D.N.Y. 2016): Resolved defamation
related claims against computer security website arising from consumer reviews of Plaintiff's product.
Olsson v. Simon & Schuster, Inc. (M.D.Fla. 2014): Defeated defamation claims against Simon & Schuster related to bestseller The Expected One .
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, LLC v. Orange County Sheriff's Office (Orange County Cir. Ct. 2010): Resolved high-profile claims related to government agency h
ling of video depicting death of animal trainer.
Moore v. Fox Network (Orange County Cir. Ct., 2009): Defeated high-profile motion for TRO filed by college football fans seeking to compel Fox to renew re-broadcast agreement with cable network to air Sugar Bowl on New Year's Day.
Palm Coast Travel v. Chris Elliott (Palm Beach County Cir. Ct. 2010): Defended nationally syndicated travel columnist/consumer advocate Chris Elliott against defamation
tortious interference claims based on investigative journalism on travel insurance practices.
Warren Kremer Paino, LLP v. Dutson 34 Med. L. Rptr. 3 (D. Maine 2006): Defeated highly publicized lawsuit for defamation
related claims filed by Maine Office of Tourism ad agency against blogger based on advertisement parody critical of government agency.
Viad Corp. v. McAvoy (Orange County Cir. Ct. 2001): Resolved online defamation action arising from alleged defamatory postings critical of plaintiff's corporation on Internet message board.
Noonan v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., 902 F. Supp. 298 (D. Mass. 1995): Defeated high-profile claims for defamation, invasion of privacy,
right of publicity against RJR's ad agencies by alleged 'Anti-Smoking Czar' of Boston public school system, arising from publication of photo in internationally circulated magazine ad.
Larchmont Prof'l Firefighters Ass'n v. Gannett, 615 N.Y.S. 2d 73 (2d Dept. 1994): Defeated defamation claims by firefighters union against Gannett Suburban Newspapers arising from newspaper article critical of union policies.
Represented Martha Beck, best-selling author
columnist for Oprah Winfrey's O Magazine, in connection with defamation
related claims arising from publication of her work concerning the Church of the Latter Day Saints.
Represented international documentary film production companies on various intellectual property, media law, privacy
other issues related to film production
distribution.
Intellectual property litigation: Caracol v. Telemundo (S.D. Fla. 2022): Won summary judgment on all counts of international copyright infringement case
order recommending fee award of over $1 million against plaintiff. See 2021 WL 243695 (S.D. Fla. Jan. 25, 2021) (granting summary judgment). Defeated preliminary injunction seeking to block Telemundo's use of fictional TV character in popular telenovela, 'El Senor de los Cielos.' See 2018 WL 6727305 (S.D. Fla. Dec. 20, 2018) (denying injunction). Summary judgment affirmed by 11th Circuit on appeal. See 2022 WL 202546 (11th Cir., Jan. 24, 2022) (affirming summary judgment). Report & Recommendation of $1 million fee award. (S.D. Fla. Aug. 4, 2022) (recommending fee award to Telemundo of $1,000,240).
WrestleReunion v. Live Nation (M.D.Fla. 2009) (Tampa): Lead trial counsel in two-week, federal court jury trial. Defeated $22 million claim against publicly-traded concert promoter. Dismissed fraud-based claims pre-trial: 2008 WL 3048859 (M.D.Fla. 2008). Defense verdict affirmed: 2010 WL 3623171 (11th Cir. 2010).
Bethune-Cookman Univ. v. Mary McLeod Bethune Nat'l Alum. Ass'n. (M.D. Fla. 2024): Obtained broad, permanent injunction on behalf of Bethune-Cookman University, barring its former alumni association from further use or infringement of university's name, trademarks, or logos in federal Lanham Act case, as well as $18,000 fee award against defendants for discovery misconduct.
PowerTec Solutions Int'l v. Precision Power, LLC, (M.D. Tenn. 2021): Defeated patent infringement, Lanham Act federal trade dress, false advertising
unfair competition claims against manufacturer based on product designs
packaging for multiple electronic goods.
PowerTec Solutions Int'l v. Precision Power, LLC, 2020 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 44440 (S.D.Fla., March 12, 2020): Defeated Lanham Act federal trade dress, false advertising
unfair competition claims against manufacturer based on product designs
packaging for multiple electronic goods.
Babcock v. Gannett (N.D. Ind. 2020): Defended Gannett newspapers in copyright infringement action based on use of celebrity photographs.
O-Line v. NBC/Universal (C.D.Ca. 2017) (trademark): Defended NBC/Universal in high-profile trademark suit filed by NFL player over The Biggest Loser. Obtained transfer to CA, dismissal of trademark dilution count,
dismissal of related claim. See 2016 WL 2997587 (N.D. Ohio, May 25, 2016).
LaTele v. Telemundo (S.D.Fla. 2015): Defending Telemundo in high-profile, international copyright claim based on telenovela. Obtained stay
fee awards against Plaintiff of over $535,000 for discovery misconduct. See 2014 WL 5816585 (S.D.Fla., Nov. 10, 2014) (awarding fees) (affirmed on appeal).
Fitzgerald v. Universal (M.D.Fla. 2016) (TCPA): Defending Universal Pictures in putative class action over text marketing for film Warcraft.
Celorio v. Google (N.D. Fla. 2013): Obtained summary judgment for Google, dismissing patent infringement claims relating to on-dem
publishing technology,
Protective Order blocking deposition of Google's founders. 2013 WL 4536527 (N.D.Fla. 2013).
George & Co. v. Spin Master (M.D.Fla. 2018): Defeated Motion for Preliminary Injunction
obtained dismissal of multiple trademark, contract,
related claims against publicly-traded Canadian toy companies in international trademark litigation. See 2018 WL 5268754 (M.D.Fla., September 13, 2018).
Revere v. SeaWorld (M.D.Fla. 2011): Defeated purported $350 million, high-profile copyright/trade secret claims against SeaWorld, alleging appropriation of concepts, plans for theme parks, attractions
rides.
D'Amato v. Orl
o Solar Bears (M.D.Fla. 2015): Obtained dismissal
$220,000 fee award in high-profile trademark, copyright case based on pro sports team's name, logo. See 'Judge Ices TM Suit Against Hockey Team, Penalizes Accuser,' Law360, Dec. 15, 2015. See 2015 WL 9266900 (M.D. Fla., December 14, 2015).
Goswami v. Lennox Industries (Alachua Cir. Ct., 2008) (patent): Lead trial counsel. Obtained defense verdict after week-long trial for publicly-traded manufacturer, defeating inventor's $20 million claim for royalties, involving novel patent royalty assignment issues.
ADT v. Vivint Smart Home (S.D. Fla. 2020): Assisted in defense of publicly-traded home security company on Lanham Act false advertising, unfair competition, trademark
related claims.
CPI v. Vivint Smart Home (W.D.N.C. 2020): Assisted in defense of publicly-traded home security company on Lanham Act false advertising, unfair competition, trademark
related claims.
AssistRx v. Howell (M.D. Fla. 2020): Obtained permanent injunction in state court against former employee's use of trade secrets related to custom CRM software
defeated motion to dismiss parallel, federal court copyright litigation based on claim-splitting grounds.
XOS/In re NCAA Litigation (M.D.Fla. 2012): Represented sports media company in connection with defense of student athlete class action involving cutting-edge right of publicity claims.
Copyright Infringement Defense: (M.D.Fla. 2010) (copyright/music): Defended high-profile copyright infringement claims against major international theme park based on use of song in musical performances at park
scope of ASCAP license.
Goforit Entertainment v. DigiMedia.com 513 F. Supp. 2d 1325 (M.D.Fla. 2007): Defeated cutting-edge cybersquatting, trademark claims for one of the world's largest domain name businesses. Case of first impression alleging use of Wildcard DNS search was cybersquatting. Obtained dismissal of all claims on jurisdictional grounds.
Reusser v. Snowbird Films (S.D. Fla. 2007): Defended film/TV director Susan Seidelman (Desperately Seeking Susan) against trademark infringement claims based on the film Boynton Beach Club.
Pinnacle v. Ingram Micro (AAA Arbitration, S.D.N.Y. 2011): Second-chaired trial, obtained award of more than $1 million in damages, plus attorneys' fees, on copyright, trademark
contract claims, against world's largest distributor of consumer electronics, Ingram Micro.
Hedy Lamarr v. E. & J. Gallo Winery (M.D.Fla. 2000), aff'd, (11th Cir. 2001): Obtained summary judgment
fee award against estate of Hollywood legend Hedy Lamarr in $17.5 million, high-profile, right of publicity suit arising from use of her image in televised wine commercial.
Jojo Designs v. CGK, et al. (S.D. Fla. 2025) (Smith, J.): Obtained temporary
permanent injunctions barring further infringement of client's copyrighted fabric designs.
Tile World v. Miavana,: Defeated Preliminary Injunction in trademark infringement case for sugar wholesaler. See 2016 WL 370540 (M.D. Fla., January 26, 2016)
Ecolab v. International Chemical (M.D.Fla. 2012): Resolved patent, trademark claims, after extensive litigation involving claims of false marking, inequitable conduct
indefiniteness.
Grimsdale v. Sweetbay Supermarket 2011 Fla. App. LEXIS 18703 (Fla. 2nd DCA 2011): Defended consumer class action against Sweetbay arising from data security breach.
L
Rover v. E2 Services (M.D.Fla. 2011): Obtained permanent injunction against infringement of manufacturer's famous marks
domain names,
against manipulation of Google
Yahoo! Local business listings.
Skyventure Orl
o, LLC v. Skyventure Mgt., LLC (M.D.Fla. 2009): Represented owners of indoor skydiving facilities on federal trademark, domain name
franchise law claims.
Freid v. eBay (Orange Cir. Ct. 2008): Obtained dismissal of consumer fraud claim against eBay, based on 230 of the Communication Decency Act.
Infinitrim v. SBMI (M.D. Fla. 2010)(Jacksonville Div.): Defeated claims alleging infringement of copyrighted website content.
Isl
Stone N. Am. v. Gupta (M.D.Fla. 2017): Obtained permanent injunction
$104,000 fee award.
Woodstock Ventures v. GateHouse Media (S.D.N.Y. 2014): Defended New York media company on trademark claims.
CSA v. Dorsett (M.D.Fla. 2008): Obtained permanent injunction
attorneys' fees against former employee.
mVisible Technologies, Inc. v. Mixxer, Inc. 2007 WL 809677 (S.D.Fla. 2007): Defended Mixxer, web-based provider of cell phone media downloads
other services, against federal trademark infringement claims.
Instabook Corp. v. InstantPublisher.com, 469 F.Supp.2d 1120 (M.D.Fla. 2006): Defeated patent infringement claim against publisher, in one of first rulings within Eleventh Circuit decided based on exclusive jurisdiction clause in Defendant's website Terms of Use.
The Tribune Company Holdings, Inc. v. Times Publishing Co. (M.D.Fla. 2006): Defended The St. Petersburg Times, against trademark
cybersquatting litigation filed by The Tampa Tribune, concerning use of term tbt* Tampa Bay Times.
Alu, Inc. v. Kupo Co., Ltd. (M.D.Fla. 2006): Obtained preliminary injunction
seizure order preventing display
sale of knock-off products at Convention Center.
Fenton v. Gray (M.D.Fla. 2006): Defended hit songwriter Mark Gray from copyright infringement claims based on soundtrack.
Aerosphere v. Esprit (M.D.Fla. 2006): Obtained permanent injunction on IP claims.
Sun Protection Factory v. Tender 2005 WL 2484710 (M.D.Fla. 2005): Resolved trademark infringement suit.
Gibson Guitar Corp. v. Piano Expo, Inc. 2005 WL 1676811 (M.D.Fla. 2005) (Antoon, J.): Obtained preliminary injunction for Gibson Guitar/Baldwin Piano, blocking publication of damaging
false advertisement by competitor.
Singh v. Price Chopper (Orange Cir. Ct. 2003): Sole trial counsel, defended world's largest wristb
manufacturer on Lanham Act trademark, unfair competition,
keyword advertising claims filed by Canadian competitor, obtained defense verdict after two-week trial.
Plastic Tubing Industries v. Atchley (Orange Cir. Ct. 1999): Lead trial counsel for plaintiff pipe manufacturer in patent ownership dispute with former officer. Obtained verdict declaring client sole owner of all patent rights after two-week trial.
Noteworthy Experience: Board Certified, The Florida Bar, Intellectual Property Law, Board of Legal Specialization
Education, 2009-Present
Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Mediator, 2022-Present
Adjunct Professor, Barry University School of Law, Internet Law, 2008-2009
