Ford Banister - Founder

Education:

• Florida Coastal School of Law
  Juris Doctor (J.D.), Law
• University of North Georgia
  B.A. Political Science, B.S. Criminal Justice

Organizations:

• American Bar Association
• International Trademark Association (INTA)

Bar Admissions:

• State Bar of New York
• U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

Pro Hac Vice Admissions:

• U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida

Founder and Managing Partner

Ford Banister is a dedicated attorney with extensive experience in cross-border intellectual property (IP) litigation, both on the plaintiff and defense sides. With a passion for protecting clients' interests and addressing complex IP challenges, Ford consistently obtains positive outcomes for individuals and businesses seeking to protect and defend their IP rights. 

Ford's Mission

Driven by a commitment to securing results for his clients, Ford employs innovative legal strategies to safeguard intellectual property rights. His approach combines a deep understanding of the complexities of IP law with practical solutions tailored to each client's unique needs. A Cold Trade Warrior, Ford has developed expertise in tackling and taking down international counterfeiting and copyright piracy rings that target American businesses and individuals and undermine and devalue U.S. registered intellectual property rights.  

Areas of Focus

Ford has seen it all when it comes to cross-border IP litigation. On the plaintiff's side, he takes pride in dismantling overseas counterfeiting operations and pursuing pirating copyright infringers. Counterfeiters and pirating copyright infringers can run but they cannot hide from Ford and the litigation team at Ford Banister LLC. Ford's dedication to his clients' success ensures their intellectual property remains protected from bad actors in an increasingly globalized market. In addition to litigation, Ford manages an extensive portfolio of trademarks and copyrights and has obtained positive outcomes through arbitration on behalf of Amazon sellers. 

Global Perspective

Ford's nine years living in China gave him a unique insight into Chinese culture and business practices. This global experience has equipped him with the ability to navigate complex international legal landscapes and understand the nuances of cross-border disputes. Ford speaks Chinese and Spanish at a basic conversational level and maintains business and legal contacts in the legal and IP industries across the globe. 

Personal Touch

Outside the office, Ford enjoys spending time with his family, including his two rambunctious boys and his lovely wife, traveling, and exploring new places and cultures. Ford also enjoys reading which primarily occurs in the course of a few hours a week spent on a stationary bike assuming that he is not researching, writing or otherwise serving clients through a laptop perched on the handle bars. Ford hits the gym a few times a week where he has been known to hit a punching bag un-affectionately nicknamed Knock Off.