Michael's most valuable asset was his music catalogue. While the copyright value of his own songs was estimated to be worth $100 million
the crown jewel of his net worth was his portfolio of other artist's songs, especially those from The Beatles.
Michael's first foray into owning music rights began when he purchased the catalogues of Sly and the Family Stone in the early 1980s.
Since Michael Jackson died in 2009, his estate has brought in over $700 million. More than any other living artist in that time. – 2018: $400 million – 2017: $75 million – 2016: $825 million – 2015: $115 million