NPC schedules special luncheon on trademark/copyright infringement, April 26, noon

The National Press Club’s Events Committee is proud to announce a panel on trademark, copyright and royalty-rights infringement, which is scheduled for Tuesday, April 26 at noon in the NPC's McClendon Room.

Hosted by Blues Alley Jazz owner and NPC member Harry Schnipper, the panel discussion, "Protecting Intellectual Property in Music's Digital Age: Hot Topics and Legal Developments," plans to focus on timely issues that have become increasingly relevant in the age of digital and streaming-media consumption.

Press Club members, and one guest, are invited to this free luncheon, but space is limited and reservations are required. For more information on this event, or to make a reservation, please contact Harry Schnipper at [email protected].

Topics are expected to include copyright infringement, how to limit and insure against infringement liability, the mechanics of obtaining and assigning copyrights, royalty streams, and licensing. With the advent of streaming platforms making music available to a larger audience than ever before, issues of licensing, infringement, and fair use have been catapulted into the spotlight. As creating and consuming music have both become easier, combating infringement and controlling the use of intellectual property has become more difficult. This panel plans to address some of the most timely, relevant considerations in the use and protection of music from an intellectual property and business-growth standpoint.

Schnipper is expected to be joined by Frank Gulino, an award-winning composer, trombonist, and entertainment attorney with Berenzweig Leonard, LLP. As a composer, Gulino's works have been performed hundreds of times at venues around the world, including the Kennedy Center and the U.S. Capitol. In frequent demand as a guest speaker due to his unique perspective as both an artist and attorney, Gulino has presented on a variety of business and legal issues at entertainment industry-leading events including South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, and the Washington West Film Festival in Reston, Virginia.