Comic-Con 2016

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). Noted IP attorney Michael Lovitz, author of The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book, offers the first of three interactive and informative programs, which this year will track the trials and tribulations of (fictional) client Fitzgerald Scott, a fledgling comic book writer, as he traverses the many stages involved in the creation, development, protection, and commercialization of his newest comic book creation, "Shylock Homer" a war-weary poet-turned-detective solving crimes and fighting off mythical creatures as he travels the globe with his colleague Dr. Ulysses in search of his long-lost family. This first installment will focus on "The Basics" in an effort to provide the necessary foundation needed for understanding the various intellectual property rights available to creators and business owners and will include insights on how to protect those rights, focusing on how best to safeguard ideas, creative works, characters, brands, and names, 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. Along the way, there will be plenty to learn about the protections available, as well as the numerous potential pitfalls, under the U.S. trademark and copyright systems. 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.]

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. This second stage of the case study focusing on (fictional) author Fitzgerald Scott will concentrate on Scott's efforts to commercialize his critically acclaimed new work, "Shylock Homer: The Sirens of the Baskervilles." Noted attorney Michael Lovitz, author of the acclaimed The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book, and IP and entertainment attorneys David Branfman and Terri Lubaroff present an interactive seminar tackling a group of more advanced issues facing creators (and the businesses that they work with) when marketing their properties and creative ideas, 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 (and time permitting) how Mrs. Fitzgerald Scott spouse may affect his contracts and licenses. 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.]

For the final installment in this year's Law School series, a panel of legal experts 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 ofThe Trademark and Copyright Book comic book, is joined by Professor Marc Greenberg and attorneys Howard Hogan, David Lizerbram, and Larry Zerner to provide practical advice concerning some of the more advanced issues facing trademark and copyright owners, including: Legal issues for fan fiction and fan art; fan films (a la Star Trek) and fair use; homage, swipe, or transformation; whether reproducing an artist's published work is fair use or foul play; and how the new FCC "Set Box Top" proposal could be kryptonite for the creative community. 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.]

What does the law allow comics to say? CBLDF and FIRE team up for an in-depth look at the legal precedents that have been set that concern free speech and how they impact comics. FIRE president Greg Lukianoff and CBLDF executive director Charles Brownstein engage in a freewheeling discussion and Q&A for creators, fans, and students about what the limits are for free expression in comics.