Some Like it Digital: Protecting your IP w/ the Blockchain

The US Constitution bestows on creators a limited monopoly to exploit their Intellectual Property (IP). Technology gives freedom to disseminate creative content further and sometimes beyond creators’ explicit permissions. In the self-help digital age, what tools do artists have to protect their work against infringement on physical mediums or digital platforms? When sharing files and making unpublished work public, how can we keep track of the dissemination of intellectual property? Copyright registration can be an expensive process and may not always be the easiest route for artists and creatives who have several works to register. Are there any alternative routes available for artists to prove ownership of their work and protect it from infringement? It can be especially challenging in a time of social media where works are shared and re-shared without appropriate credit, licensing or attribution. So how can artists better protect themselves?

Join the Center for Art Law in conversation with Andy Rosen, photographer and founder of File Protected; Scott Scholder, copyright attorney and partner at Cowan, DeBaets, Abrahams & Sheppard and moderator, Irina Tarsis, attorney and founder at the Center for Art Law. This session explored copyright law, the issues of ownership, licensing and the limitations that copyright law can impose on creatives. Andy Rosen focused on his experiences and challenges faced as a photographer and artist which led him to founding FileProtected, platform that helps content creators protect and monetize intellectual property and registers work on the blockchain as a supplement to copyright, Scott Scholder discussed the challenges that copyright poses, licensing, use of blockchain technology and alternative platforms that may be helpful to artists when protecting their work and licensing work to others.

About Our Speakers

Scott Sholder

Scott Sholder is a partner with Cowan, DeBaets, Abrahams & Sheppard LLP in New York and co-chairs the firm’s litigation group. His practice focuses on litigation, counseling, and dispute resolution in connection with entertainment, media, and intellectual property matters. Scott represents and advises clients across various industries in copyright, trademark, right-of-publicity, unfair competition, domain name, and commercial and business disputes, as well as defamation defense. He is a frequent writer and speaker on topics landing at the intersection of new technology and IP law, particularly generative AI.

Andy Rosen

With a unique blend of creative talent and entrepreneurial drive, I have built a career at the intersection of art and technology. I am currently the co-founder and CEO of FileProtected.com, a platform that helps content creators protect and monetize intellectual property; by using blockchain technology to provide permanent proof of intellectual property ownership, authorship, and authenticity, we’ve made it possible for creators to take ownership of their work and get the credit and money they deserve. My journey as an entrepreneur and artist began in London, where I worked as a rock photographer (andyrosenphotos.com) covering the punk scene. I worked with many of the era’s iconic bands (Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Jam), record labels, and major music publications, including as a staff photographer for Sounds and Record Mirror. I have had solo exhibitions in London, Sydney, and LA.

In 1991, I moved to Los Angeles. I founded The Underground, a talent management, production, and record label in partnership with Chris Blackwell, the “godfather” of the indie music scene and founder of Island Records. The Underground produced videos and commercials including, Marilyn Manson, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Dr Dre, David Bowie, Tool, Orbital, Shania Twain, Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica, The Crystal Method, Dave Matthews Band, Van Halen, Metalica, and Tricky. In advertising, we collaborated with major brands, producing Ads for American Express, Nike, Fila, and Lexus. Academy Award for Best Short Animation for

“Manipulation,” a Grammy for Peter Gabriel’s “Digging in The Dirt,” and several MTV Awards.

Whether through my work as a software developer, photographer, talent manager, or content producer, I bring a unique perspective and a willingness to embrace new ideas that challenge the status quo. I am known for my innovative approach, fearless spirit, and commitment to leading and not following trends.

Handouts and Reading Material

Read the handouts HERE.

Read the slides HERE.

Recording of the Lecture

Watch the recording HERE.