https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stay-on-the-write-side-of-the-law-legal-issues-every-writer-sho[...]267

TOPICS:
Copyright: Copyright law is what makes it possible for writers to reap the fruits of our labor, by preventing others from profiting from our work without our permission. In the morning session, we'll explore what copyright is -- how and when does copyright protection attach to your writing, what rights does it give you, and how long does it last? We'll look at how you can find information about copyright laws, how to determine if material you want to use is protected by copyright or in the public domain, and ways to protect your own work and respect the copyrighted works of others. In this session you'll learn to: -Understand the principles behind copyright protection -Identify potential copyright issues in your writing -Develop self-editing strategies to avoid copyrights infringement -Obtain permission from copyright holders.
Defamation and Invasion of Privacy: In social media posts, memoir, fiction, and journalism, we writers can't help but write about other people. But words, like sticks and stones, actually can do harm. When our writing presents others in an unflattering light, we run the risk of being sued for defamation or invasion of privacy. In the afternoon session, we'll explore the legal realm of defamation and privacy as it relates to our writing -- who can bring a defamation or invasion of privacy lawsuit, what they'll have to prove, whether or not it makes a difference if the person you wrote about is a public figure, when telling the truth will protect you--and when it won't. In this session you'll learn to: -Understand the principles of defamation and invasion of privacy -Identify potential defamation and privacy issues in your writing -Develop self-editing strategies to avoid defamation and privacy law problems -Consider economic and business strategies to insulate you from liability.
SPEAKER:
Cindy Ellen Hill is a writer, musician and attorney. Her legal practice is steeped in the issues related to creative works for writers, musicians, artists and artisans, including: review of manuscripts for copyright, defamation and invasion of privacy issues; publishing contracts; gallery and museum contracts; copyright registration and licensing of writing, music, photographs and art. She also practices public-interest land use and environmental law, representing nonprofit organizations and small towns throughout Vermont.