Creative passion and keen business sense don't always go hand in hand, and that's one of the reasons why many creators put off taking steps to protect their rights. But with an ever-growing appetite for new content and artificial means for laypersons to generate creative works with simple prompts, it has never been more important for creators to "get their ducks in a row" as soon as they can to protect themselves and their creations. But comics creators have their own Defenders they can turn to—and not just Jennifer Walters and Matt Murdock—as noted IP attorney Michael Lovitz (author of The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book) returns to WonderCon along with IP attorney Alana Friedman to bring attendees the information needed to protect their creative works. This Comic Book Law School session tackles the basics of protection and ownership of ideas, works of authorship, characters, names, and branding, giving creators information to help them protect their creative works from conception through publication and beyond. Attendees will participate in an interactive discussion about rights available to authors and creators under U.S. copyright and trademark laws, as well as some of the problems and pitfalls they may face, some important contract “dos and don'ts,” and (time permitting) a brief discussion on why written agreements can be unsung heroes and why not all generative A.I. programs are villains. Please note: The Comic Book Law School seminars are designed to provide relevant information and practice tips to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. However, the seminar is presented for information and entertainment purposes only, and the information presented and opinions expressed at the seminars do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. [This program is approved for one credit of California MCLE.]
