ATTORNEY PROFILE

Michael M. Baranov

E-mail: mbaranov@mbgwlaw.com
T: (310) 229-3500
F: (310) 229-3501

Michael M. Baranov has developed a complex litigation and transactional practice in the areas of business, employment, entertainment and intellectual property law.  An experienced litigator, over the past three decades, he has prosecuted and defended large scale commercial and intellectual property disputes, as well as labor and employment cases.  He has represented numerous celebrity plaintiffs in defamation suits against various publications.  He has represented businesses and individuals in unfair competition suits, and trademark, patent and copyright infringement matters. As a transactional attorney, he has guided the development and growth of diverse national and international companies, including well-known cosmetics, haircare and apparel brands and a rocket components manufacturer, as well as the careers of notable producers, writers, and directors.  As a  litigation specialist, he participates in the firm’s defense of health care professionals in licensing board matters.  His clients currently include various corporations, such as Warner Bros. Entertainment, Cinelease Herc, Ouai Haircare, Philip B. Botanicals, Quasar Science, Lexmar Distribution, Tokidoki and New Horizon Health.  His individual clients ranged from the legendary actor/comedian Rodney Dangerfield to the Oscar-nominated writer/director Jason Reitman.

Mr. Baranov is a graduate of the University of Southern California Gould School of Law, where he is a frequent guest lecturer.  He received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Irvine.  He is a member of the California State Bar and is fluent in Russian.  He holds a coveted AV rating, the highest rating given to US attorneys.

Representative Matters

  • Successfully defended manufacturer of LED lighting, international studio equipment rental company and a major studio in a patent infringement and unfair competition suit, resulting in the invalidation of plaintiff’s patent
  • Defeated a $75 million claim for damages in an unfair competition and trade secret misappropriation suit brought against a dental practice, after a five week jury trial
  • Successfully argued an appeal clarifying California law of stipulated judgments, resulting in a published opinion of the California Court of Appeal
  • Obtained a sizeable settlement against a major studio in a trademark infringement case brought by an apparel designer
  • Successfully resolved patent disputes between an aerospace manufacturer and its competitors
  • Successfully represented a Chinese energy developer in a dispute over construction of an alternative energy power plant in the US

  • Successfully defended a Japanese electronics company in a claim brought against it by the former Governor of California
  • Negotiated producer and director deals for an Academy Award nominated director
  • Negotiated an overall studio deal for an Academy Award nominated producer
  • Negotiated construction contracts with multi-national European construction companies for projects within the Russian Federation
  • Negotiated contracts with a Chinese shipbuilder for manufacture of container ships

Representative Cases

  • Rodney Dangerfield v. The Star
  • Berry Gordy v. New York Daily News
  • Church of Scientology v. Time Warner
  • Oster v. Red and White Distribution, et al.

Baranov & Whittenberg LLP is a boutique law firm located in Century City, in the heart of Los Angeles

Founded in 1995, our professional practice has earned the respect of the judicial branch as well as of various state agencies. These relationships give us a unique ability to anticipate the opposing counsel’s position and develop an offensive strategy resulting in the most beneficial outcome for our clients. The firm has been given the highest rating of AV.

We believe that success results from a combination of experience, diligence and teamwork. Our attorneys bring a diversity of expertise in solving clients’ problems. We are committed to professional integrity, innovation and cost-effectiveness as we meet our clients’ legal challenges.

Contact Us

To learn more about how our attorneys can address your legal needs, contact our office today. We are a boutique firm in Century City that handles a range of legal concerns, including business litigation, intellectual property, licensing board defense and entertainment law.

Baranov & Wittenberg, LLP​

1901 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1750
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Email: info@mbgwlaw.com
Phone: (310) 229-3500
Fax: (310) 229-3501

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