Michael J. Kump

Whether he’s with them or against them, Hollywood’s A-listers have seen firsthand how effectively Michael Kump litigates cases.

Kump’s intellectual property and business litigation practice has put him at the forefront of many high profile matters. He represented The Management Group and its principals Joel and Rob Mandel in a lawsuit filed by their former client, actor Johnny Depp.

Quickly going on a counteroffensive with a cross complaint, Kump spent the following 18 months litigating against Depp, who accused Kump’s clients of mismanaging his recently-dwindled fortune. Kump’s clients claimed Depp had only filed his complaint after TMG started to foreclose on a secured loan he owed. Though Depp’s not been quick to back down in the many legal battles he’s waged in recent years – with lawsuits against his ex-wife and his former attorney still trial-bound — the lawsuits involving TMG were resolved on the eve of trial in an undisclosed settlement.

In Kump’s “with them” column are Kim, Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian, who count on him as a reliable hand when it comes to protecting their substantial brand empire.

Among his more recent and notable representations of the Kardashians involved a licensing agreement for cosmetic products line known as “Kardashian Beauty.” The Kardashians claimed they’d withdrawn from the agreement after Hillair Capital Management LLC failed to pay them or build the brand as stipulated.

When Hillair continued to use the Kardashian name for the line despite the collapse of the agreement, the three sisters individually filed claims for injunctive relief and damages that were consolidated and moved to arbitration.

The three-member arbitration panel entered a final award in January granting the Kardashians $7 million in damages plus pre-judgment interest. Kardashians v. Hillair Capital Management LLC, BC614374 (L.A. Super. Ct., filed Feb. 7, 2018).

“The long history of that litigation involving Hillair shows [the Kardashian sisters] will defend themselves if they think they’ve been treated unfairly. They’re incredible business people, they’re sharp, and they will fight,” Kump said. “They’ve spent many years successfully building up a brand that’s recognized around the world, and when people try to infringe or freeride upon that brand, they will fight fiercely to protect their name and good will.”

— Steven Crighton