Terry M. Sanks, a registered patent attorney, is a founding member of the firm. Terry is known for bringing a holistic approach to the practice of intellectual property law. With this ability, he provides representation in all areas of IP law, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, litigation, licensing and other IP related business transactions. Having vast experience in all areas of IP law, Terry guides clients in developing strategies to best utilize and protect their intangible assets, namely their intellectual property (“IP”). Terry’s diverse practice further includes managing patent portfolios and trademark portfolios for Fortune 500 companies and regional companies. The regional companies are not limited to the Orlando area as his practice is global.

Terry’s noteworthy legal abilities have resulted in him being recognized and honored at the state level and nationally by his peers.  His reputation has also resulted in him being sought after to be on the boards of both philanthropic organizations and organizations that operate in support of the tech company startup ecosystem.

Terry has prepared and prosecuted patents in the U.S. and worldwide in numerous technologies including various aspects of electrical, electromechanical and mechanical technologies, software-based, and business method where his name is included as the patent attorney on over four hundred U.S. patents. He also counsels clients on the patentability of inventions and provides patent infringement and validity opinions.

With respect to trademarks, Terry counsels clients on the selection, preparation and prosecution of trademarks with state agencies and the USPTO, including opposition and cancellation practice before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. Terry also provides solutions related to copyrights as well as prepares registration of copyrights filed with the United States Copyright Office. In addition to assisting clients with IP related business matters, such as licensing agreements and other business agreements, he also litigates matters involving intellectual property law. Terry has also been hired as an expert witness by other law firms in intellectual property lawsuits. Terry’s practice can truly be identified by the slogan, from beneath the seas to outer space—providing IP solutions as he has been directly involved with acquiring patents and trademarks that can be found across such a broad spectrum.

Terry has been an adjunct professor of law at the Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University College of Law and at the Barry University School of Law. Terry is also a recurring guest lecturer at masters’ degree courses provided by the University of South Florida Center for Entrepreneurship and has lectured at Rollins College’s Crummer Graduate School of Business. He also mentors law students with an interest in IP law and other IP attorneys starting their legal careers.

As a decorated military veteran, Terry served in the United States Air Force, active duty and as a reservist. Several of his recognized accomplishments include being the first program manager of a one-of-its-kind electric propulsion space experiment, authoring several articles about electric propulsion including being published in the Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, and representing the Air Force at national and international conferences. He also worked as an electronic combat systems engineer, directly supporting the war-fighting mission of combat fighter pilots in both the Air Force and Navy.

In the community, Terry served 12 years on the Board of Directors for Catholic Charities of Central Florida, 3 years of which he served as Board President. He also was the band booster president and vice president at a local middle school for several years. For over a decade he was a member of various school advisory councils from elementary school to high school. Terry has also volunteered as the varsity and junior varsity girls’ basketball and volleyball coach at Teague Middle School for several years. He has also coached several community basketball teams including both boys’ and girls’ traveling basketball teams. He has also volunteered his time, primarily to civic and church-based organizations, lecturing on various areas of intellectual property law. An activity that continues to exemplify his commitment to helping children is his longstanding service as a Guardian Ad Litem, representing children in child abuse and neglect cases.

Practice Areas:
Intellectual Property Law, including patent preparation and prosecution, trademark preparation and prosecution, copyright preparation and prosecution; Intellectual Property Litigation including patent infringement, trademark infringement, copyright infringement, trade dress infringement, cybersquatting, theft of trade secrets, domain name disputes, anti-cybersquatting, unfair competition, computer fraud and abuse, deceptive and unfair trade practices, tortious interference, breach of contract, trademark trial and appeal board proceedings, and related appellate litigation; and business related and technology related matters including licensing, non-disclosure agreements, confidentiality agreements, software agreements, manufacturing, supply agreements, other agreements involving intellectual property, and trade secret protection.