A Guide to Trademark Law for Artists

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:

For members, please contact [email protected] to receive your special discount code, which will allow you to access and purchase your discounted ticket.

$25 Full-Time Student (students must present proof of status after registering)
$25 Artists Over Sixty
$35 Arts Professional VLA Member
$55 Arts Professional Non-Member
$85 Legal Professional VLA Member
$110 Legal Professional Non-Member
$55 YAM’s Current Members and Associate Board

Please note you are not registered until full payment is received.

For more information on this program, please contact VLA at [email protected].

Refund Policy: All registration fees are non-refundable.

Webinar Access and Recording: Participants will receive an email in advance with instructions to access. Please note that this is a live webinar and a recording will not be available for those who cannot attend.