Back

Art & Copyright Law Clinic (May 14, 2025)

May 14, 2025

Copyright law is a body of federal law that grants authors exclusive rights over their original works. Enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, these rights aim “to promote the progress of science and useful arts”.

Copyright protection extends to a broad spectrum of artistic expressions — from paintings and photographs to sculptures, as well as other fixed and tangible creative forms. Once protection attaches, copyright owners have exclusive economic rights that allow them to control how their work is reproduced, modified and distributed, among other uses.

Albeit theoretically simple, in practice copyright law is complex and nuanced: what works acquire such protection? How can creatives better protect their assets or, if they wish, exploit them for their monetary benefit?

The Art & Copyright Law Clinic is designed to help artists navigate these complexities by connecting them with legal professionals who can clarify their rights, explain relevant protections, and keep them informed of emerging issues in copyright law, especially as new technologies like generative artificial intelligence (AI) reshape the legal landscape.

After a short lecture on Digital Copyright Issues for Art Professionals, delivered by Billy Trabaudo, attendees with consultation tickets were paired with one of the Center’s volunteer attorneys for a confidential 20-minute consultation.

Date & Time:

The Clinic took place on May 14, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM (ET), virtually. Schedule:

5:30 – 6:00 PM (EST): Introductory Remarks
6:00 – 8:00 PM (EST): Individual Consultations

Speaker:

Billy Trabaudo handles complex commercial litigation, intellectual property, and transactions in the entertainment and technology sectors, among others. He has successfully represented both plaintiffs and defendants in trademark, copyright, civil securities fraud, and other complex commercial litigation. Recently, Billy was part of the Bardacke Allison Miller team which achieved a multimillion-dollar jury verdict against a national bank.His work in copyright litigation has involved successfully defending America’s fastest-growing immersive art company against claims for copyright infringement and violations of the Visual Artist Rights Act. Alongside his partners, he represents the Conan Doyle Estate, Judy Chicago, and other notable artists and creatives.