Introduction

Media and entertainment law governs the creative, business, and legal aspects of the media, film, music, television, publishing, and digital content industries. This 5-day training course is designed to offer participants a comprehensive understanding of the key legal issues impacting the media and entertainment sectors. The course covers intellectual property, content creation and licensing, media regulations, contracts, privacy concerns, and the impact of digital technologies.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will:
✔ Understand the key principles of intellectual property law as it relates to media and entertainment.
✔ Learn about content licensing, distribution, and digital rights management.
✔ Gain insights into media contracts, negotiations, and talent agreements.
✔ Understand privacy issues, defamation, and freedom of speech in the media industry.
✔ Explore emerging trends in media and entertainment law, including digital media, streaming, and AI-generated content.

Who Should Attend?

• Entertainment professionals (film, television, music, gaming industry professionals)
• Legal professionals (media and entertainment lawyers, in-house counsel, IP lawyers)
• Content creators (authors, directors, producers, musicians, and writers)
• Corporate executives and managers in the media, film, and entertainment sectors
• Media regulators and policy-makers
• Academics and students studying media law, intellectual property, or entertainment management

Day 1: Introduction to Media and Entertainment Law

Session 1: Overview of Media and Entertainment Law

• The role and scope of media and entertainment law
• Key industries impacted: Film, television, music, publishing, digital media, gaming
• Core areas of law: Intellectual property, contracts, privacy, defamation, and freedom of expression
• Case study: A landmark media law case and its impact

Session 2: Intellectual Property in Media and Entertainment

• Types of intellectual property: Copyright, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets
• Protecting creative works in the media industry
• Fair use and fair dealing in the context of media content
• Case study: A high-profile copyright infringement case in entertainment

Session 3: The Copyright System and Digital Media

• How copyright law applies to digital media: Streaming, online content, and digital distribution
• Licensing, sublicensing, and copyright enforcement in the digital age
• The impact of piracy and anti-piracy measures in the entertainment industry
• Case study: Legal battles over digital streaming rights

Day 2: Contracts in Media and Entertainment

Session 4: Key Contractual Considerations in the Media and Entertainment Industry

• Overview of essential contracts: Film production, distribution, licensing, and publishing
• Negotiating and drafting contracts for content creators and media companies
• The role of agents, managers, and lawyers in contract negotiations
• Case study: A major film contract dispute and its resolution

Session 5: Talent Contracts and Employment Law

• Types of talent contracts: Actor, musician, writer, director, producer contracts
• Key contractual terms: Royalties, advances, credit, exclusivity, and termination clauses
• Labor issues and union representation in entertainment contracts (e.g., SAG-AFTRA, AFTRA)
• Case study: A high-profile celebrity contract dispute

Session 6: Content Licensing and Distribution

• Understanding content licensing: Exclusive vs. non-exclusive, territorial restrictions, and term lengths
• Distribution rights and international distribution agreements
• The role of digital platforms (e.g., Netflix, YouTube) in content distribution
• Case study: A global content licensing agreement and the challenges involved

Day 3: Privacy, Defamation, and Free Speech in Media

Session 7: Privacy Law and the Media Industry

• The right to privacy vs. the public’s right to know
• Privacy concerns in journalism, entertainment, and digital media
• Legal protections against invasion of privacy (e.g., California’s “right to be forgotten”)
• Case study: A privacy lawsuit involving the media

Session 8: Defamation and Reputation Management

• What constitutes defamation: Libel vs. slander
• Defamation law in the media context: Media freedom and protecting reputation
• The defenses against defamation claims: Truth, privilege, fair comment
• Case study: A defamation lawsuit involving a celebrity or public figure

Session 9: Freedom of Speech and Media Censorship

• Understanding freedom of speech: Constitutional protections and limitations
• Censorship issues in media: Broadcasting, print media, and online content
• The legal boundaries of free expression in media and entertainment
• Case study: A controversial film or broadcast and its legal challenges

Day 4: Emerging Issues in Digital Media and Technology

Session 10: Digital Media, Streaming, and Copyright Law

• The impact of digital platforms (Netflix, YouTube, Spotify) on traditional media models
• Copyright issues in streaming and online video content
• Fair use in the context of user-generated content
• Case study: Legal battles over music streaming and copyright royalties

Session 11: Social Media Law and User-Generated Content

• Legal issues surrounding social media platforms and content moderation
• Intellectual property issues with user-generated content (UGC) on social media
• Privacy concerns with social media data and user protection
• Case study: Legal action involving social media influencers

Session 12: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Content Creation

• AI-generated content and the challenges of intellectual property rights
• The future of copyright law in the age of AI and machine learning
• Ethical and legal issues around AI-created art, music, and writing
• Case study: A legal dispute over AI-generated art or music

Day 5: Global Perspectives, Policy, and the Future of Media Law

Session 13: International Media and Entertainment Law

• Global perspectives on media and entertainment law
• International copyright and intellectual property treaties (e.g., Berne Convention, WIPO)
• Jurisdictional issues in cross-border media disputes
• Case study: A multinational legal issue in media distribution

Session 14: Media Regulation and Policy

• Regulatory bodies: FCC (U.S.), Ofcom (UK), and others worldwide
• The role of media regulations in broadcasting, advertising, and content standards
• The future of media regulation in the digital age: Net neutrality, data privacy, and online content
• Case study: A major regulatory action against a media company

Session 15: Future Trends in Media and Entertainment Law

• The rise of streaming platforms and its legal implications
• The evolution of digital rights management (DRM) and content protection
• Emerging technologies in entertainment: Virtual reality (VR), blockchain, and NFTs
• Panel discussion: The future of media law and its impact on content creation, distribution, and consumption

Final Wrap-Up & Certification

• Recap of key topics covered in the course
• Awarding of completion certificates
• Networking and closing remarks