Terry M. Sanks

Managing Partner — Beusse Sanks PLLC

Description of field of expertise

Terry M. Sanks, a registered patent attorney, is the founding partner of the firm. With a
comprehensive practice spanning the spectrum of intellectual property (IP) law, he provides
representation in all areas of intellectual property (“IP”) law, including patents, trademarks,
copyrights, trade secrets, IP litigation, licensing, and other IP related business transactions.
Terry’s diverse practice includes developing and managing patent portfolios and trademark
portfolios for various sized entities ranging from Fortune 500 companies to regional companies
to universities to startup companies to individuals. Terry approaches each case holistically,
crafting strategic solutions to maximize and safeguard intangible assets. With his unique
approach, he has become a sought-after resource for a wide range of technology start-ups. One
of the mottos of his firm, “From Beneath the Seas to Outer Space — Providing IP Solutions,”
best describes the depth and breadth of IP matters Terry has personally handled.
Operating from his Orlando, Florida office, Terry's global reach extends to clients worldwide.

His remarkable legal ability has earned him honors and recognition at the local, national, and
international levels. Notably, he has been featured in Best Lawyers consecutively from 2016 to
2024. He earned distinctions such as Orlando "Lawyer of the Year" in Copyright Law (2019 & 2024), Patent Law (2022 & 2024), and Trademark Law (2023). Other accolades include his inclusion in the World Trademark Review 1000 (2022-2023), Florida Super Lawyers (2008-2009 and 2013-2023), Florida Legal Elite (2018), an AV Preeminent 5.0 rating by Martindale Hubbell, and a Superb 10.0 rating by AVVO.

Terry’s impressive journey also includes his service as a decorated military veteran of the
United States Air Force (USAF) and USAF Reserves, where he served as an officer. He holds a
B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Tuskegee University and an M.S. in Engineering from Fresno
State, earned during his active-duty service. After leaving active duty, Terry pursued his legal
education and obtained his J.D. from Florida State University College of Law, where he served
as editor-in-chief of the Journal of Land Use and Environmental Law.

 

What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?

Decide early in your career the type of lawyer you want to be. Specifically, do you want to be
the lawyer whose focus is simply meeting a billable hire requirement, or do you want to be the
type who solves intellectual property issues for your client? From my experience working with
and training attorneys, if your focus is just meeting your billable hour requirement, you are
doing yourself, your employer, and your client a grave disservice. However, if you strive to be
able to think outside the box when the need arises to provide your client IP solutions to their
issues, this approach goes further with advancing your career in the long run.

 

Final thoughts…

Death and taxes are generally identified as the only guarantees in life. I submit there is a
third—change. Most hate and resist change. Do not get fixated on the change. Instead,
challenge yourself to accept it sooner. Also consider pivoting in another direction in response.
There are always options.

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