CLE: Representing Clients in Comic Book Publishing
New York Comic Con, in association with Thomas A. Crowell, Esq., and the National Academy of Continuing Legal Education presents 2025 CLE courses on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at NYCC!
New York Comic Con, in association with Thomas A. Crowell, Esq., and the National Academy of Continuing Legal Education presents 2025 CLE courses on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at NYCC!
In the past few years, the comic book industry and its ancillary markets have continued to flourish, bolstered in part by new trends in digital publishing and derivative market licensing. Why not learn the fundamentals of this growing practice area? These CLE courses provide professionals a chance to learn from legal practitioners and former comic book publishing executives.
Important Info & How to Register:
- All courses include either a Professional Thursday Badge or a Professional 4-Day Badge.
- You may only register for one professional badge per application.
- A valid Professional Thursday and Professional 4-Day Ticket/Badge will grant access to Wednesday programming in the River Pavillion.
- Activation is required for all NYCC 2025 tickets prior to entering the event. You can activate your tickets once you pick them up onsite at NYCC.io/Activate
- Once CLE course registration has closed, no late applications will be accepted due to the limited number of Industry badges available.
- CLE Courses require a Professional Badge/Ticket. If you have Fan Badge/Ticket (Single Day or 4-Day), please contact customer service for a refund at [email protected]
PLEASE NOTE: By applying for registration to either CLE course you are representing and warranting that you are a registered attorney in good standing at least one U.S. jurisdiction. Your eligibility for this course is subject to review and if you are deemed ineligible to complete this course, your course and badge will be refunded.
Available Continuing Legal Courses
Wednesday, October 8 – River Pavilion, 12:15 PM – 2:30 PM
Authorship in the Balance: The Clash Between Human Authorship, Artificial Intelligence, and Copyright Law
Access pricing and registration.
Dive into the revolutionary impact of generative AI on comics in this two-hour CLE session. We'll explore the latest Copyright Office rulings and case law that are reshaping the boundaries of protection for AI-generated content and challenging the extent of copyright’s monopolistic safeguards. We'll also discuss emerging transactional practices, including drafting agreements that address the complexities of AI-created works. From intellectual property ownership challenges to licensing strategies, this session equips you with the tools needed to navigate the future of AI in the comic book industry. This session is approved for 2.5 CLE credits in professional practice for New York (both transitional and non-transitional).
Thursday, October 9– River Pavilion, 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Comic Book Law 101: Foundations of Comic Book Law for a Changing Market
Access pricing and registration.
This CLE program combines a solid introduction to the legal fundamentals of the comic book industry with an incisive analysis of the distribution upheavals defining 2025. Topics include copyright basics, licensing agreements, and the seismic shifts in the market—from the decline of major digital platforms to the rise of indie distribution models and the persistence of physical retail. Attendees will walk away with practical insights to help clients thrive amidst these challenges.
This session is approved for 2.5 CLE credits in professional practice for New York (both transitional and non-transitional).
Friday, October 10 – River Pavilion - 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Practicing Comic Book Law: Drafting Contracts That Bring Comics to Life
Access pricing and registration.
In this engaging CLE course, participants will tackle the essential agreements every comic book attorney needs to master. You’ll learn how to draft collaboration agreements, publishing deals, merchandising contracts, and film/TV licensing agreements—all under the guidance of experienced professionals. This interactive session emphasizes practical exercises, such as spotting legal issues, refining client negotiations, and drafting key contract provisions. Gain the tools and confidence to excel in the comic book publishing legal landscape. This session is approved for 2.0 CLE credits in professional practice for New York (both transitional and non-transitional).
Instructors
Thomas A. Crowell, Esq. Thomas A. Crowell, Esq. is the founder of KeyLight Legal, where he counsels clients on a broad range of issues in entertainment law and intellectual property rights. His practice spans diverse areas including film and television, comic book publishing, music, and the graphic arts.
Thomas also serves as the series editor of the Focal Press Pocket Lawyer for… series and is the author of The Pocket Lawyer for Filmmakers (Focal Press, 3rd ed. 2023) as well as The Pocket Lawyer for Comic Book Creators (Focal Press, 2014)—the first legal guide dedicated to the comic book industry. He currently teaches IP law at CUNY Law School and entertainment law at Stage 32.
Apply below!
For questions on course material, contact [email protected]
