Michael B. Chesal

“My clients are often focused on solving an immediate crisis or addressing an immediate need.  But I try to help them see the big picture, particularly when it comes to protection of intellectual property.  By taking a step back and assessing the situation from a more global perspective, we’re often able to accomplish much more—and more economically—than by simply placing a bandage on a recurring issue.”

--Michael B. Chesal, Intellectual Property Law

           **

Protecting the ideas that enhance our world and improve business processes comes naturally to Michael.  Early in his education he focused his studies on computer and information sciences. This early interest in technology coupled with the onset of an expanding need for businesses to be proactive in protecting their trade names, goods, and services led Michael to pursue a legal career focused primarily on working with businesses and their intellectual property. 

“I practice intellectual property law because I find it both challenging and rewarding.  I particularly enjoy playing the role of problem solver—getting a favorable result by accurately assessing risks and implementing strategies that I helped devise based on that assessment.”

Counseling, troubleshooting, and resolving matters regarding registration and infringement of trademarks, copyrights, patent, trade secret, domain name, and computer software registrations are just some of the ways he helps his clients.

Well respected among his peers, he previously served as Chairman of the Florida Bar’s Intellectual Property Law Committee, and most recently spearheaded a task force to update Florida's Trademark Act to respond to changes in federal law and to expand the protections afforded owners of Florida trademark registrations. In addition, Michael is a frequent lecturer on intellectual property law issues.

Michael is Chairman of Aish South Florida and has been affiliated with Aish since 1989.  He has been teaching a course on Jewish Ethics at Aish South Florida for over five years. To read more about his work with Aish visit www.aishfl.com.

From Michael’s Case Files 

Making Infringement Costly:  I recently advised a client on how best to protect their copyrighted database.  Subsequently, when they discovered that their rights were being infringed upon, we were able to successfully represent them at trial, securing a jury award over $1 million. 

Low-Cost Resolution:  In another not-so-unusual case, we represented a client accused of trademark infringement and successfully got the plaintiff to drop their claim after simply providing a detailed assessment as to why there was no infringement.  The case is noteworthy only in that my client was surprised with how economical it was to resolve the matter.  The client had volunteered to assume the lion's share of the investigation, while we only had to craft the legal arguments based upon their search and market assessment.  The client was thrilled to be able to play an integral role in the process and gratified by the result.

**"CV, BV and AV are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies."

Education

• University of Miami School of Law, J.D., cum laude, 1988
• University of Florida, B.S.B.A., cum laude, 1985

Bar Admissions & Memberships

• Florida, 1988
• U.S. District Court, Southern and Middle Districts of Florida
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
• U.S. Supreme Court

Noteworthy

• Super Lawyers, Florida Super Lawyers magazine, 2007, 2008
• Top Lawyers in South Florida, South Florida Legal Guide 2007
• Top Lawyers by Practice Area - Intellectual Property & Litigation (Commercial & Business), South Florida Legal Guide 2007
• "The Best Lawyers in America," Intellectual Property Law, 2007, 2008
• Finalist in the South Florida Business Journal/Key Partner Award, 2006
• Outstanding Member of the Year, Florida Bar Business Law Section, 2006
• "Legal Elite," Florida Trends magazine
• Top Lawyers, South Florida Legal Guide
• The Best Lawyers in America, 2005-2006 Edition
• Presidential Recognition Award, University of Florida
• University of Miami Law Review, managing editor, 1987-1988

Professional Affiliations

• The Florida Bar, Intellectual Property Law Certification Committee, 2007-2010
• The Florida Bar Business Law Section, Legislation Committee, 2007
• The Florida Bar Business Law Section, Chair, CLE Committee 2006 - 2007
• International Trademark Association, Information Resources Committee, Chairman, 1999-2002
• The Florida Bar Intellectual Property Law Committee, Chairman, 1999-2001
• Dade County Bar Association
• American Bar Association

Community/Civic Involvement

• Aish HaTorah of South Florida, Chairman
• Young Israel of Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, former Member of Board of Directors
• Yeshiva Toras Chaim and Toras Emes Academy of Miami, Member of Board of Directors, 2004 - present
• City of Hollywood Baseball League, Coach and Sponsor, 2003 - 2006