Michael J. Niborski

He represents media companies, high-profile entertainers, producers, and writers involved in all facets of entertainment and media litigation, including film, television, music, and publishing.

Navigating Issues in Film + Television 

Well-known in the entertainment industry, Michael has worked extensively with film and television studios, production companies, media organizations, and filmmakers, including Fox Broadcasting Company, 19 Entertainment and Dick Clark Productions, which he defended in a five-year misappropriation lawsuit involving the hit show So You Think You Can Dance, and the makers of the cult-classic film The Crow in litigation related to the accompanying film and television franchises. Michael has also successfully litigated cases for media clients in state and federal courts, private arbitrations, International Film and Television Alliance (IFTA) arbitrations, and proceedings before the Labor Commissioner arising out of California’s Talent Agencies Act. 

An Expert in Defamation + Privacy Issues 

Michael has achieved national prominence in defamation, privacy, and right of publicity cases, including those stemming from traditional media content, as well as social media postings and internet publications. When faced with the threat of defamation or privacy claims by subjects of film and television programming, studios and filmmakers have entrusted Michael to guide them toward favorable resolutions and vigorously defend their interests. He has been at the forefront of these issues, having defended the first wave of libel suits concerning postings on Twitter and other social media platforms.

Throughout his career, Michael has represented performers and creators such as Aretha Franklin and Martha Stewart, entertainment conglomerates including Anschutz Entertainment Group and Mirage Hotels and Resorts, and a diverse group of individuals and organizations in high-profile defamation cases. In one case which garnered international attention, he helped the lay Buddhist organization, Soka Gakkai International, secure a complete defense verdict in a defamation action originating in Japan.

Michael is also highly skilled in litigating issues relating to surreptitious video and audio recordings, and preemptively counsels clients on the legal ramifications and parameters of newsgathering, entertainment programming and commercial advertising.

Copyright + Intellectual Property Litigation

Michael regularly represents music publishing companies in copyright litigation, including Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, Vivendi and Warner Music Group. He has also defended prominent musicians in infringement and business litigation matters, including Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Drake, Pharrell Williams and the Barenaked Ladies, and represents clients in trademark and trade secret cases, including those in the media and fashion industries.

California Anti-SLAPP Cases

Michael has cultivated a deep knowledge of California’s Anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) statute and represents both plaintiffs and defendants in these disputes. In one case against The National Enquirer, he helped create the precedent for the application of the law in federal court actions. He is routinely retained by media companies, entertainers, authors, publishers and businesses to guide them through the complex landscape of Anti-SLAPP litigation. 

A member of the law school faculty at Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, Michael teaches courses on entertainment and media law advocacy.