MICA x MdVLA Spring 2026 Workshops | Copyright, Trademark, and Patents for Artists
Take part in our in-person 2026 workshop series with the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, who will be covering a range of topics geared toward providing valuable business tips for artists and creative entrepreneurs. Review the sessions below and we’ll connect with you for next steps to attend.
All sessions are open to the public.
ABOUT MDVLA
MdVLA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting Maryland artists’ legal rights. We believe it’s our responsibility to stand up for artists who need legal representation. Your work is precious. We can help protect it. Learn more about MdVLA here.
SPRING 2026 SESSIONS
Contracts for Artists and Businesses
Monday, January 26, 2026 | 5-6pm | Main Building, Room 110
Have you ever agreed to collaborate with someone, sell your work, or license your intellectual property? Creating a contract is the best way to clarify how these things should happen. Join Maryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (MDVLA) for a session on contracting. This workshop will cover contract terms, rights granted, advances, and more. Come and learn how to protect yourself and your work!
Copyright, Trademark, and Patents for Artists
Monday, February 16, 2026 | 5-6pm |
As an artist, your intellectual property is a valuable asset. Join Maryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (MDVLA) for a workshop about the basics of copyright, trademark, and patent law. The presentation will discuss what each type of intellectual property does and does not cover, ownership rights, and the steps you can take to prevent or address infringement of your work. Join if you’ve wondered what it means to share copyright with a co-author on song lyrics, if you can patent a clothing design, if you should register a trademark for your logo, or if you have any other questions specific to your work.
Business Entities for Artists
Monday, March 2, 2026 | 5-6pm |
Are you looking to protect yourself and your art? Join Maryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (MDVLA) for a session on the different business structures available to creatives and the advantages and disadvantages of each. We will cover sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), C- and S- corporations, non-profit organizations, fiscal sponsorship, and more! Join if you are at the beginning of your journey as a creative entrepreneur, already have a business entity and are considering restructuring, or have any other questions specific to your business.