Bio

Michael Friedman corporate practice covers a broad array of corporate and financial areas, including mergers and acquisitions, counseling private companies, venture capital and private 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 technology, manufacturing, consumer products, entertainment and media, internet and digital media, retailing, telecommunications, licensing, biotech and life science, as well as investment banks, accounting firms, business consultants, other professional organizations, and many other businesses. Michael’s practice also covers all aspects of media and entertainment law, including film, television, legitimate theatre, music, live event, internet/new media, and trademark licensing, as well as merger and acquisition transactions with entertainment and media companies. Michael’s practice includes the representation of clients in film finance transactions, rights acquisitions, asset and library acquisitions, distribution and licensing transactions, and counseling production companies and corporate and individual investors in film, television, and other projects. In the music industry, Michael has represented various independent record labels and distributors, production companies, artists, 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, distribution and license agreements, merchandising agreements, publishing agreements, and television contracts, as well as commercial endorsement and sponsorship agreements. In addition to transactional work, Michael works with an experienced group of litigators who engage in high profile commercial litigation cases. Michael has consulted with various artists, independent record companies, and music publishers with respect to digital/online infringement matters and royalty compliance claims. Michael also has extensive expertise in the licensing field, representing both entertainment clients, licensing agents, and commercial clients such as toy, apparel, and food manufacturers and distributors. 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. Representative matters may include engagements before joining Troutman Pepper.