Art and Copyright Law Clinic

Copyright law is a body of federal law that grants authors exclusive rights over their original works — 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 reshape the legal landscape.

After an introductory lecture by Attorney Lorena Guzmán- Diaz, on copyright law, attendees with consultation tickets were paired with one of the Center’s volunteer attorneys for a confidential 20-minute consultation.

About the Speaker

Lorena Guzmán-Diaz, Associate Attorney | Weissman Law, PLLC

Lorena Guzmán-Díaz is a prominent media, arts, and entertainment lawyer with a focus on intellectual property and commercial transactions. As an Associate at Weissman Law, PLLC in New York, Lorena merges law with artistic expression to represent a diverse clientele that includes visual artists, social media influencers, content creators, distinguished brands, talent agencies, and production companies. Renowned for crafting bespoke contract provisions that resonate with the unique demands of the digital age and the constantly evolving realms of entertainment and social media, Lorena ensures her clients’ creative ventures receive tailor-made legal protection. Her legal strategies are meticulously designed to reflect not just the needs and ambitions of her clients but also made robust enough to handle the economic landscapes they operate within.

Prior to joining Weissman Law PLLC, Lorena honed her litigation skills as an associate at Thompson Coburn LLP and Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP, where she gained experience in all aspects of civil commercial litigation, including motion practice, discovery disputes, judgement enforcement, and appeals. Lorena began her career as a law clerk to the Honorable C. Darnell Jones, II (Retired) of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. A graduate of Boston College with a combined BA/MA in Philosophy, Lorena obtained her JD from American University Washington College of Law, where she served as Articles Editor of both the American University Law Review and The Arbitration Brief. She is admitted to practice law in the courts of the State of New York, as well as in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and the U.S. Court of International Trade.

Active in the legal community, Lorena is a member of the Center for Art Law’s Advisory Board, Co-Chair of the New York County Lawyers Association’s Art Law Committee, Co-Executive Editor of the Women Lawyers Journal of the National Association of Women Lawyers, and member of the NYC Bar’s Entertainment Law Committee.

Volunteer Attorneys

Elena Gurevich, AI & IP Attorney for founders, product teams, and SMEs using or launching AI

Bobbie Brown, Founding Attorney | LAB LAW, PLLC

Giselle Ayala Mateus, Principal | GAM Law Office PC

Are you a US-licensed attorney interested in volunteering at Center’s clinics? Please complete our volunteer interest form.

Access the handout HERE