VLA offers a variety of programs and workshops, which are listed below. We also offer a selection of on-demand, online recordings of previously held education programs for those unable to attend or want a refresher. Click here to access and view these presentations.

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Legal Issues Workshop Series

April 22 @ 1:00 pm - April 28 @ 6:00 pm

About this event

This Discounted Package (worth $60, now $25) includes all 4 workshops below. If you would like to register for the individual class, feel free to click on its title for specific info.

Instructors: VLA Legal Externs

Location: Zoom

WORKSHOPS

Legal Issues in Music

Tuesday, April 22 | 5:00 – 6:00 PM

Whether you’re a musician, composer, producer, or entertainment attorney, understanding the legal landscape of the music industry is essential. This session will break down copyright, contracts, and licensing, helping you navigate common industry challenges like sampling rights, the difference between recording and composition rights, and the evolving impact of AI on music law.

Key Topics:

  • Who owns what? Understanding composition vs. recording rights
  • Sampling, fair use, and licensing—when do you need permission?
  • How AI and recent industry shifts (think Taylor’s Version) are changing music law

Legal Issues for Visual Artists

Thursday, April 24 | 1:00 – 2:00 PM

Your art is your passion, but do you know your rights? Whether you’re a painter, illustrator, photographer, or digital artist, this class will provide you with essential legal knowledge to protect and license your work. We’ll cover copyright, fair use, work-for-hire agreements, and moral rights, ensuring that both artists and attorneys can confidently navigate these critical topics.

Key Topics:

  • Who owns your art? Copyright and moral rights explained
  • Work-for-hire agreements—protecting your work in collaborations
  • Fair use and licensing—how to legally share and monetize your art

Right of Publicity in New York

Thursday, April 24 | 5:00 – 6:00 PM

Can someone profit from your image without your permission? Can you legally use someone else’s name, portrait, or voice? If you’re an artist, filmmaker, influencer, or attorney, understanding right of publicity laws in New York is crucial. This class will explore legal protections for individuals, commercial use exemptions, First Amendment considerations, and the impact of AI on publicity rights.

Key Topics:

  • New York’s unique approach to right of publicity (statutory vs. common law)
  • First Amendment & commercial use—where do the lines blur?
  • Postmortem rights—how long does protection last?
  • AI, deepfakes & social media—publicity rights in the digital age

Legal Essentials for Fashion Designers

Monday, April 28 | 5:00 – 6:00 PM

Fashion meets the law in this must-attend session for designers and industry professionals! Whether you’re an independent designer, a fashion entrepreneur, or an attorney advising creatives, understanding intellectual property laws is key to protecting your work and staying compliant. This session will cover copyright, trademarks, licensing, and fair use—helping designers know what they can protect and how to legally incorporate pre-existing designs.

Key Topics:

  • Copyright & trademarks—what fashion elements can (and can’t) be protected?
  • Fair use in fashion—how to draw inspiration without legal risks
  • Licensing & brand protection—how to safeguard your creative assets

NOTE

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

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.

Membership Discount Code: For members, please contact registrations@vlany.org to receive your discount code, which will allow you to view and purchase the ticket.

Fees:
$5 Students and Artists Over Sixty
$10 VLA Members (Artists and Attorneys)
$15 General Admission

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

Webinar Access and Recording: Participants will receive an email in advance with instructions to access. Please note that this is a live webinar. We are unable to distribute a recording of this presentation if you cannot attend. To view VLA’s library of on-demand videos, click here.

Details

Start:
April 22 @ 1:00 pm
End:
April 28 @ 6:00 pm
Event Category:

Organizer

Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts
Phone
(212) 319 - 2787
Email
vlany@vlany.org
View Organizer Website