This CLE course examines the legal and business issues that arise throughout the comic book publishing process, from developing a story and negotiating creator agreements through production, distribution, and retail sales. Topics include work-for-hire arrangements, shared and hybrid authorship, copyright and rights management, royalties, and the changing role of AI in writing, artwork, editing, production, and promotion.

The program also addresses challenges affecting the modern comics marketplace, including distribution disruptions, censorship and First Amendment issues, content restrictions imposed by retailers and libraries, political and regulatory scrutiny, and financial pressures on creators, publishers, and industry vendors. Particular attention is given to licensing and the rights implications of adaptations into film, television, and consumer products.

The course provides attorneys with a practical understanding of the legal considerations that arise at each stage of the comic book publishing lifecycle and the risks created by an increasingly complex and rapidly changing industry.