A Guide to Trademark Law for Artists

About this program:

Learn to establish, maintain, and protect your trademark rights.

In this course, the instructor will provide you with an overview of trademark law and how it may impact an artist’s business and creative process. Topics to be covered include:

What a trademark is and how to know if a trademark is strong;
The rights a trademark owner has and the trademark registration process;
What to do if you are accused of trademark infringement or if someone infringes your trademark; and
Examples of common trademark issues that different types of artists encounter.

INSTRUCTOR:

Lauren Woods | Legal Fellow @ VLA

Lauren is a Legal Fellow at VLA. Prior to her legal career, Lauren received her Bachelors of Science in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University in 2019. At Cornell, Lauren was a sprinter and mid-distance runner for the Varsity Track and Field Team and served as a Staff Editor for the school newspaper, The Cornell Daily Sun.

After graduating from Cornell, Lauren worked in compliance at an employee benefits consulting firm and then as a corporate paralegal for LVMH Moët Hennessy. It was during her time at LVMH where she developed an interest in brand protection and how it relates to the law.

Lauren obtained her Juris Doctor from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in 2025. During her time at Cardozo, Lauren worked at the Filmmakers Legal Clinic and served as the Online Editor for the Arts and Entertainment Law Journal. While at Cardozo she also interned at boutique trademark law firms and the digital media company Ziff Davis.

Lauren is passionate about creative writing, theatre and pop culture, and has channeled those interests into a legal career advocating for creative individuals and companies.

Outside of work, Lauren enjoys reading, being active, and lying on the couch watching her favorite comfort shows.

FEES:

If you are a VLA member, email registrations@vlany.org to receive a discount code that will allow you to access and purchase your ticket.

Full-Time Students and Artists Over Sixty: $5
Arts Professional VLA Members: $10
Arts Professional Non-VLA Members: $15
Legal Professional VLA Members (CLE): $115
Legal Professional Non-VLA Members (CLE): $125
Young Associate Members (YAM’s) and Associate Board Members (CLE): $85

Please note that if you wish to receive CLE credit, you must purchase an attorney ticket (Legal Professional Non-Member or Legal Professional Member).

For attorneys, there are various scholarships available. For more information and how to apply, please review our Financial Aid Policy Guidelines here.

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Once you click "Submit" below you will receive instructions on how to access the course along with an email receipt that includes a link and password to access the course content if you prefer to watch it later. Please contact VLA at registrations@vlany.org if you encounter any technical difficulties or have any questions.