CLE: Representing Clients in Comic Book Publishing

In the past few years, the comic book industry and its ancillary markets has 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? This CLE provides attendees a chance to learn from legal practitioners and former comic book publishing executives.

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.

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.

Thursday 10/9 – River Pavilion, 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm This session is approved for 3.0 CLE credits in professional practice for New York (both transitional and non-transitional).

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.

Friday 10/10 – River Pavilion, 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm This session is approved for 2.0 CLE credits in professional practice for New York (both transitional and non-transitional).

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.

Join us for an evening of networking and conversation at the Creative Connections Mixer, where legal minds, industry professionals, and comic enthusiasts come together to share insights and ideas. Featuring attendees from sessions on comic book law, AI's impact on the industry, and distribution challenges, this informal event offers the perfect opportunity to build relationships, exchange stories, and explore future collaborations—all in the vibrant spirit of New York Comic Con.

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.