Next Thursday, March 3, 2016, I will participate in a panel discussion about “Virtual Rights and Avatars” at the On The Hill Summit. The Congressional Entertainment Industries Caucus is hosting the event which is part of the 2016 DC Independent Film Festival. The panel is free and open to the public. All are welcome.
An avatar is an animated or graphical representation of a real person. Many of us use them in our social media accounts. (For example, check out my Twitter avatar.) Producers often incorporate avatars representing real people into films, video games, virtual worlds and other creative materials. That action can spark copyright, publicity, trademark, and other rights clearance legal issues. The First Amendment right to use avatars in creative works lies at the heart of a legal case currently seeking review before the U.S. Supreme Court, Davis v. Electronic Arts.
During the On the Hill Summit panel, I will discuss the relevant legal issues and offer best legal practice tips for film makers and creative producers using avatars. The panel will also feature speakers who will address the technology and film applications for avatars and virtual reality.
For more information about the “Virtual Rights and Avatars” On the Hill Summit and about the DC Independent Film Festival, visit http://dciff-indie.org/2016-festival-schedule/
The Details:
DATE: Thursday, March 3, 2016
TIME: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET
COST: Free
LOCATION: Room 121, U.S. Congressional Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C.
WEBSITE: http://dciff-indie.org/2016-festival-schedule/
HASHTAGS: #DCIFFavtrs and #DCIFF