Michael Friedman Bio

Michael's corporate practice covers a broad array of corporate and financial areas, including mergers and acquisitions, counseling private companies, investment and financing transactions, corporate finance and restructuring, partnership, joint venture and limited liability company transactions, cross-border transactions, technology and trademark licensing, and general corporate representation, including counseling management teams and boards of directors. Michael has represented hedge funds, financial institutions, venture funds, management buy-out groups, and other sophisticated investors in structured investments, finance transactions, merger and acquisition transactions, and sale of business transactions. Michael's practice includes the representation of clients engaged in entertainment and media, internet and digital media, technology, manufacturing, consumer products, retailing, telecommunications, licensing, biotech and life science, as well as investment banks, accounting firms, business consultants, other financial and professional organizations. Michael's practice also covers all aspects of media and entertainment law, including music, film, television, legitimate theatre, live event, internet/new media, art law and trademark licensing, as well as merger, acquisition and investment transactions with entertainment and media companies. Michael's practice includes the representation of clients in film finance transactions, rights acquisitions, asset and library acquisitions, film funds, distribution and licensing transactions, and counseling production companies and corporate and individual investors in film, television, live stage and other projects, as well as commercial endorsement, sponsorship agreements and counseling on rights of publicity and usage of name, image and likeness. In the music industry, Michael has represented independent record labels and distributors, artists, producers, managers, talent agencies, and internet/digital companies in connection with both transactional and litigation matters. Michael has expertise in artist representation, negotiation of recording agreements, management agreements, producer and production agreements, distribution and license agreements, catalogue sales transactions, merchandising agreements, publishing agreements Michael represents and has represented well known bands and music artists in connection with music publishing and recorded music catalogue sales. Michael has also counseled various artists, independent record companies, and music publishers with respect to digital/online infringement matters and royalty compliance claims. Michael has represented actors, writers, producers, and agents, and has served as production counsel on various feature film and documentary projects. Michael has also represented theatrical producers, repertoire companies, and investors in the legitimate theatre and has been involved with live event and touring engagements. Michael has also represented sports figures, entertainers, and other celebrities, and/or their estates (e.g., Buddy Holly, Bob Marley, Joey Ramone, David Crosby).