About Elliot Michael
Elliot Michael Zimmerman is a board-certified intellectual property attorney based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Since 1981, he has been licensed to practice law in Florida, and he is authorized to engage in a multi-jurisdictional federal copyright and trademark practice. His extensive legal expertise is complemented by a strong educational background; Zimmerman earned his Bachelor of Business Administration, cum laude, from Bernard M. Baruch College in 1976 — He further advanced his education by graduating from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in 1979, where he was a member of its inaugural class. In 1982, Zimmerman founded The Florida Bar's Entertainment, Arts, and Sports Law Committee (EASL).
This committee, which became a full section in 1988, has played a crucial role in shaping the legal field for entertainment law in Florida. His leadership and dedication to the field were recognized when he served as Chair Emeritus in 2009. Zimmerman's legal practice encompasses many areas, including entertainment law, cyberentertainment law, music law, contract drafting and negotiation, copyright and trademark prosecution, book publishing, photography, video, film, television, radio, and computer law. His expertise in these areas allows him to provide comprehensive legal services to his clients. Throughout his career, Zimmerman has represented notable clients, including Aretha Franklin, Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show, and Planet Hollywood.
His work with high-profile clients demonstrates his ability to navigate complex legal issues in the entertainment industry. Additionally, he has represented Carl Gardner of The Coasters, Bobby Kimball of Toto, and Uncle Luke, showcasing his clients. Notably, Zimmerman was involved in litigation against DreamWorks Animation regarding copyright infringement related to "The Bee Movie," highlighting his commitment to protecting his clients' intellectual property rights. Beyond his legal career, Zimmerman is also an accomplished musician and record producer. His collaborations with renowned artists such as Jaco Pastorius, Ahmad Jamal, and Duffy Jackson reflect his deep-rooted focus on music. He owns the "Musicians Exchange" brand, a social media platform designed to connect artists and foster collaboration within the music community.
This venture not only showcases his entrepreneurial spirit but also reinforces his commitment to supporting fellow musicians. Zimmerman's professional excellence is recognized by his AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, which indicates the highest level of professional achievement in the legal field. His unique combination of legal expertise and musical talent positions him as a distinguished figure in both the legal and entertainment industries. With decades of experience, he continues to advocate for the rights of artists and creators, making significant contributions to the evolving landscape of intellectual property law.
