The Art Guild invited Matthew Kaplan, an attorney with more than 20y years of experience in copyright, trademark, and patent law to provide a tutorial on how artists and photographers can protect their creative property.
The lecture was extremely well attended, a clear indication that artists today are struggling to understand the delicate balance between sharing and disseminating their work on the internet while protecting against unauthorized copying of their artistic works.
Kaplan explained some basic concepts regarding intellectual property. He discussed major legal cases regarding copyright law including a case currently pending in the Supreme Court.
Kaplan also offered advice on how and when artists should register their work so if the artists’ rights are infringed upon, the artist would qualify for statutory damages.
TAG Co-President Ilene Silberstein said, “The lecture provided me with very valuable advice. Moving forward, it will change how I approach cataloging my paintings. I’m also going to mark my work with the “C” copyright symbol.”
Marceil Kazickas, a TAG board member, found the lecture extremely informative. She said, “all artists will be watching that Supreme Court Case in October as it could lead to drastic changes in how art is used going forward.”
Kaplan is an attorney with the law firm of Abbott Bushlow & Schechner LLP, who practices in the areas of copyright, trademark, employment and personal injury law. Mr. Kaplan has represented clients ranging from photographers and small content licensing businesses to large entertainment/media companies. He helps clients both in securing rights in their works and enforcing or defending those rights in litigation.
Lisa Grossman, executive director of the Art Guild, said, “The lecture was totally engaging and interactive. Everyone in the audience had questions, and scenarios they wanted to discuss.”
Grossman continued, “Listening to our members and responding to their needs is always our number one priority. At the beginning of the pandemic, we shifted to online classes and even online gallery exhibitions. We now offer in-person and remote classes and workshops, an expanded number of children’s programs, and summer camp. This lecture was another example of our ability to recognize a need in the arts community, and our effort to fulfill that need.”
Members and non-members are always invited to attend programs at the Art Guild.
The Art Guild is located at Nassau County’s Elderfields Preserve at 200 Port Washington Blvd., Manhasset, NY 11030. The Art guild offers classes and workshops for children and adults year-round.
Visit www.theartguild.org to learn more about upcoming classes and workshops.
Artists and community members are invited to attend our upcoming exhibition “How Grows Your Garden” which will be on view from May 15 to June 4.
The gallery is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1-5 p.m. while the exhibit is on view. The Art Guild is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization providing encouragement, education and a forum for the appreciation of the visual arts.