Starting at the beginning is a vital first step for any creative or business endeavor, and getting off on the right foot is key to traveling on the road to success. And this year's Comic Book Law School is designed to help you navigate the best possible route (and provide help in deciphering the map legend). Join noted IP attorney Michael Lovitz, author of The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book, for the first of three fun, interactive, and informative Comic Book Law School programs. This first program focuses on the basics of intellectual property rights available to creators and business owners and will provide attendees with the foundation needed for understanding which rights are available to creators of comics, games, films, and other creative works, as well as insights on how best to safeguard ideas, creative works, characters, brands, and names/titles, from genesis through publication and distribution, and beyond. Attendees are invited to participate in an interactive discussion about the rights provided under U.S. copyright and trademark laws, including a discussion on the protections these laws provide, the benefits of federal registrations for each, tips on working with collaborators, and issues of joint authorship and work-made-for-hire. Please note: The Comic Book Law School seminars are designed to provide relevant information and insights to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. [This program is approved for 1.5 credits of California MCLE.]
Thursday July 18, 2019 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 11
While almost every creator will tell you their greatest joy is in their acts of creation, none will argue that equally (or perhaps more) important is earning a living from their efforts. But commercializing creative works is fraught with peril unless you're prepared. Hear from noted attorney Michael Lovitz, author of The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book, along with his guests, attorney David Lizerbram and Legion M's COO Terri Lubaroff, for an interactive seminar tackling a slew of more advanced issues facing creators (and the businesses that they work with) as they seek to monetize their creative capital. They will offer insights into a variety of options and opportunities for generating income from your creative endeavors, including: licenses and transfers of rights; key things to know when Hollywood comes knocking; publishing, manufacturing, merchandising, and distribution agreements; understanding key terms in contracts, assignments, and licenses; and how incorporation and marital bliss (or turmoil) may affect contracts and licenses. And are all independent contractors secretly disguised as employees? Please note: The Comic Book Law School seminars are designed to provide relevant information and insights to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. [This program is approved for 1.5 credits of California MCLE.]
Friday July 19, 2019 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 11
Still interactive and now five times as informative! For the third (and final) destination in this year's Law School series, this panel of legal experts will shed light on some of the more complex issues facing creators and businesses and touch on compelling issues popping up on the law and how they apply to comics and the pop-culture scene. Attorney Michael Lovitz, author of the classic The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book, and his guests–attorneys David Branfman and David S. Lipkus, and law professors Marc Greenberg and Betsy Rosenblatt–will share their insights and knowledge and provide practical advice on topics and issues that range from rights of publicity to the interplay of fandom and fair use. This year's topics are expected to include licensing comics for television streaming services-a risky business?; online and social media IP protection, with Canadian insights; the 12 biggest copyright and trademark myths; Dr. Seuss vs. ComicMix-oh, the decisions a judge will boldly issue; and memes-tributes or infringements? Please note: The Comic Book Law School® seminars are designed to provide relevant information and insights to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. [This program is approved for 1.5 credits of California MCLE.]
Saturday July 20, 2019 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 11