Comic-Con 2013

On Thursday, you learned the basics, and on Friday you gained a better understanding of contracts, licenses, and agreements. It's now time to learn about some of the more complex issues facing creators, publishers, and other business owners. Noted attorney Michael Lovitz, author of the classic The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book, returns to address some of the more advanced (and often confusing) issues facing the creative and business communities, particularly in light of the ever-expanding worlds of new media, self-publishing and social networking. And this time, he's not alone, as attorneys David Branfman and David Lizerbram and Professor Marc Greenberg join Michael to share their collective knowledge and insights in some of the more cutting-edge legal issues faced by creators and businesses and discuss important recent legal decisions. Still interactive and four times as informative, the panel will touch on as many of the topics as time allows, including recent rulings in comic book creator and publisher litigations; the interplay of copyright terminations and work-for-hire agreements; blogs, podcasts, tweets, and cybersquatters; knockoffs, tarnishment, and dilution; satires, parodies and fair use; and the legalities of fan art and fan fiction. Plus: practical advice on how recent legal decisions and pending cases are likely to affect the field of popular culture and the role they may play in your creative and business plans. 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. [This program is approved for 1.5 credits of California MCLE.]