Copyright Challenges of Commercialized User-Generated Content

The last several years have seen an explosion in the types and forms of user-generated content (UGC) in such disparate fields as publishing and fan fiction, music videos, games, and photography.  This growth in UGC has been accompanied by the advent of new emerging business models for commercializing and monetizing that content. Whereas earlier models relied heavily on disrupting the then technological and legal norms, these new models strive to comply with the existing legal framework (copyright and otherwise) in hopes of benefiting not only the creators of the content, but also the owners of any intellectual property embedded in that content, as well as the platforms on which that content is shared.

In doing so, those models have raised novel questions regarding the legality of the UGC, the sustainability and likelihood of success of these new emerging models, the various applicable licensing arrangements, the respect accorded copyrighted works and other content creators, and general compliance with the current copyright regime. Our panel of experts, who are at the forefront of this new and dynamic intersection between business and law, will discuss copyright and other legal issues that these new models present, as well as the challenges these platforms face, providing a glimpse of what the future may hold.

The Copyright Society of the USA is an approved CLE provider in New York and Pennsylvania. This program will provide 1 CLE credit.

SPEAKERS

	Rick Bashkoff is ZEFR’s SVP of Business Development. Reporting to the Chief Business Officer and assisting in driving enterprise value for the company, Rick manages a team responsible for sourcing, negotiating and closing business partnerships and retaining existing partnerships, which have included NBCUniversal, Viacom, CBS/Showtime, AMC Networks, Warner Music Group and others. Prior to ZEFR, Rick was Howcast Media’s VP of Business Development & Marketing, where he oversaw core business growth, distribution, partnership management and marketing strategy. He established Howcast as a Top 100 YouTube channel and forged partnerships with some of the largest media companies in the world, including YouTube, Google, Aol, Yahoo!, Viacom, Hulu, Microsoft, and Comcast. Previously, Rick was at Warner Music Group, where he was responsible for all digital video accounts and implementation of WMG’s first digital video strategy.
	Andy Yang is CEO of 500px, a premium photography community funded by Andreessen Horowitz, Harrison, Metal, and ffVC.  Prior to this, Andy has spent time at Netflix, Chegg, Goldman Sachs, and Accenture as an operator, investor, consultant, and venture capitalist. Andy holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a BSc from the University of California, Berkeley.  He is a native Californian who moved to Toronto in 2010, with his wife and two young daughters.
	Thomas G. Hentoff (Moderator) serves as Co-Chair of Williams & Connolly LLP’s Trademark and Copyright and First Amendment practice groups.  His practice is concentrated in three areas: intellectual property disputes, First Amendment and media law, and complex civil litigation.  For more than twenty years he has been representing entertainment companies, news organizations, and other clients in copyright litigation and counseling matters, including representing plaintiffs in the Megaupload, In re DISH AutoHop Litigation, Grokster, Aimster, and Napster cases.
	Don Steele is Head of Audience Develoment for Tumblr. In this position, Steele is responsible for setting the strategy and implementing all Audience Development activity for Tumblr including user acquisition and social programming. Prior to Tumblr he was the SVP of Multi-Platform Marketing and Fan Engagement for Comedy Central where he helped market their television shows and digital initiatives. As a respected member of the digital marketing community, Steele has spoken often at events such  as SXSW, OMMA, DPAC, DigiDay, SES New York and Chicago, eTail and Social Times on topics ranging from Managing Your Brand in Social Networks to The Value of Search Engine Marketing for Entertainment Brands. Previously Steele managed all e-commerce business for the Food Network. He began his career in the digital space working for DELiA*s.com after a background in the catalog industry working for Mitchell & Ness.

COST

Members:  Early-Bird $70, after deadline $80
Non-Members:  Early-Bird $85, after deadline $95
Student Members:  Early-Bird $55, after deadline $65 Email rebecca@csusa.org for your promotional code

DEADLINES

Early-Bird Discount:  3/11/16
Last Day to Register: 3/20/16

CANCELLATION POLICY

Refunds must be requested in writing at least three business days before the event. Refunds will not be issued after that point. Unfortunately, we will not be able to credit your registration payment toward a future event, but you may allow another person attend in your place.

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