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Michael S. Forshey
Partner
Michael Forshey is a seasoned and detail-oriented trial lawyer who assists clients in resolving business and commercial disputes by applying creative solutions and, when necessary, judicial intervention. During more than 30 years of practice, he has handled a wide variety of business and commercial disputes, focusing on financial transactions, intellectual property matters and the entertainment industry.
He has litigated numerous matters in the financial services industry, acting on behalf of companies that deploy capital into the market, including traditional lenders, specialty lenders, private equity, venture capital and mezzanine funds.
Michael also has substantial experience representing celebrity and entertainment clients in protecting their IP rights, including addressing infringement in the marketplace and on the internet. He also represents celebrity clients on spokesperson, endorsement, licensing agreements and film agreements.
In addition to his regular practice, Michael has a long history of pro bono work. That includes serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Squire Patton Boggs Foundation, which promotes the role of public service and pro bono work in the practice of law and the development of public policy.
- Established and continues to manage worldwide enforcement efforts for an internationally known celebrity, including monitoring and addressing infringements in the marketplace and on the internet. This includes traditional and online retailers, online auction and trading forums, and social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.
- Represent client in all aspects of creating and expanding a multiteam sports league for combat martial arts, including licenses for cable network and other television rights; entity formation, protection of intellectual property (IP) (e.g., domain names, copyrights, trademarks and patents), and negotiation and preparation of contracts for operations, athletes, event venues, advertising and support sponsorships, and domestic and international television and DVD rights.
- Represent clients in independent film production, including rights acquisition, financing and distribution.
- Represent world-renowned celebrity in the negotiation of Actor’s Agreement with major motion picture producer.
- Successful defense of class action against portfolio company for private equity sponsor alleging violations of California Consumer Legal Remedies Act, Rees-Levering Act and California’s Unfair Competition Law.
- Duzich, et al., v. The CIT/Commercial Services, Inc., et al., 395 F.3d 527 (5 Cir. 2004). Successful defense of commercial lender against lender liability claims.
- Oabrand v. Cenfuel N.A., Inc.: successful prosecution to declare patent license agreement invalid and successful defense of breach of contract, fraud and RICO counterclaims.
- Kevco v. Lloyds of London: successful defense of breach of contract and bad faith claims in connection with key-man disability policies for publicly traded company.
Education
- University of Houston, J.D., magna cum laude, Order of the Barons, 1981
- University of South Florida, B.A., 1977
Admissions
- Texas
Courts
- Texas Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western District Courts
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit
Memberships & Affiliations
- Special Legal Advisor, KickStart Kids Charity
- Board Member, Texas C-Bar
- Member, Texas Bar Association
- Member, Dallas Bar Association - Business Litigation, Sports and Entertainment Law Sections
- Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America 2023 and 2024 for Commercial Litigation
- Rated AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, the highest ranking for legal ability and professional ethics, in Intellectual Property; Commercial Litigation; Litigation & Dispute Resolution; Business; Commercial; and Entertainment by Martindale-Hubbell
- Who's Who in American Law, 2005-present
- “Super Lawyers Texas,” 2005-2006
- Pro Bono Partner of the Year, Patton Boggs LLP 2002
- Order of the Barons, 1981
- Co-author, “Prepare for Fading Cooperation Between Lenders, Borrowers,” Bloomberg Law, May 2020.
- Interviewee, “DBJ Confidential: What Does Chuck Norris Think About Chuck Norris Jokes? We asked his Lawyer,” Dallas Business Journal, July 2013.
- Interviewee, DBJ Confidential: Q&A with Michael Forshey, Patton Boggs New Leader in Dallas,” Dallas Business Journal, July 2013.
- Interviewee, “DBJ Confidential: Michael Forshey Named Managing Partner for Patton Boggs in Dallas,” Dallas Business Journal, July 2013.
- Contributor, “Litigation Achievements: 2009,” A Publication of Patton Boggs LLP, July 2009.
- Author, “Billable Hours for Your Soul,” Texas Lawyer, September 2003.