ANN: What is Copy, Right? Visual Art, AI, and the Law in the 21st Century (May 27, 2026)

We are delighted to announce that the Center for Art Law’s Annual Conference, entitled What is Copy, Right? Visual Art, AI, and the Law in the 21st Century, is taking place on May 27, 2026, at Brooklyn Law School and online!
Every year, the Center hosts a conference revolving around one focus area, featuring three panels of subject matter experts and scholars. This year we are focusing on copyright law; it seems like the right time. If we cannot build a new entrance to paradise, we might as well take a spin around the past, present and future of visual arts and right to copy.

This annual extravaganza will feature a series of dynamic panels, each offering invaluable insights into the rapidly shifting landscape of art and copyright law. Together, let’s trace the impact of copyright law on visual arts, examine the U.S. Copyright Office’s landmark reports on AI, and contemplate the future of licensing in a world where registration is no longer enough.
In addition to the substantive portion of the day, our conference will feature exhibitors and a silent auction aimed at raising funds to support the Center’s Summer Internship program and bolster our efforts to provide accessible and affordable legal resources to the artistic community.
We would love to see you there (either in-person or online). RSVP today to confirm your spot at this comprehensive overview into art and copyright law! 
Sincerely yours,Center for Art Law Team

**If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, learn about various opportunities here. To donate a book, artwork, or an arts experience to our silent auction, please fill out this form.

Tentative Program
The conference will feature a keynote presentation on copyright, creativity, and artificial intelligence from Ben Zhao, Neubauer Professor of Computer Science at University of Chicago and Founder, Nightshade & Glaze, followed by three panels:

Panel 1: So Inappropriate — Lessons About Copyright Law and Art: First There Was Art, Then Copyright, Then Fair Use… and Now AI?

Irina Tarsis, Founder, Center for Art Law (Moderator)

Vivek Jayaram, Founder, Jayaram Law

Vincent Wilcke, Pace Gallery

Panel 2: The Copyright Office Weighs In — Three Reports on AI and the Law

Atreya Mathur, Director of Legal Research, Center for Art Law (Moderator)

Ben Zhao, Neubauer Professor of Computer Science at University of Chicago and Founder, Nightshade & GlazeA representative from U.S. Copyright Office

Panel 3: Registration Is Dead? Long Live Licensing?