Michael Abitbol

Michael Abitbol is currently Senior Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs, Digital, for Sony/ATV Music Publishing. In this role, Michael is involved in all aspects of Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s digital business, which includes drafting and negotiating license agreements with digital services for the exploitation of Sony/ATV’s catalog of compositions in various digital formats. Michael is also involved in various current issues related to public performance rights and Section 115 rate setting proceedings.

Prior to joining Sony/ATV, Michael worked at EMI Music Publishing for five years overseeing digital matters. Prior to working at EMI, Michael was an associate at Davis & Gilbert LLP for seven years, where he drafted and negotiated various entertainment and advertising-related agreements, including ringtone agreements, management agreements, talent agreements and agency-client agreements. At Davis & Gilbert, Michael also advised clients with respect to intellectual property-related issues, including copyright, trademark and rights of privacy and publicity.

Prior to practicing law, Michael worked for 21st Century Artists, a music management company based in New York City, where he handled the day-to-day management of various music groups including Maxi Priest, Third World and Big Mountain, and where he oversaw all aspects of the production of various live tours. After leaving 21st Century Artists, Michael began his own management company, King’s Flavour Management, through which he managed bands for 3 years. Michael has also been a drummer in several bands, and he was a DJ for the George Washington University student-run radio station for 4 years during college.

Michael graduated cum laude and received his JD from Touro College, Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center and graduated from George Washington University with a BA in Philosophy. He lives with his wife and daughter in New York City and enjoys playing ice hockey whenever a rink or any other frozen body of water is close by.