Legal Hour: Copyright and Intellectual Property

Thursday 23rd April, from 13:00 BST (UK time) | Online

Copyright is one of the most misunderstood areas of law for working artists and one of the most important.

This Legal Hour session focuses entirely on copyright and intellectual property, giving artists a dedicated space to ask the questions that come up again and again in practice: who owns the rights to a commissioned piece, what happens when someone reproduces your work without permission, and what you can actually do about it.

Pierre Valentin returns to guide the conversation, drawing on decades of experience advising artists, galleries, and institutions on copyright matters across the UK and internationally.

Artists are invited to ask about topics such as:

• Who owns the copyright when you create a commissioned work
• What rights you retain when you sell an original piece
• How to protect your work from unauthorised reproduction online
• What to do if someone uses your image, design, or artwork without permission
• How licensing works and what terms to look out for The difference between copyright, moral rights, and resale rights

This session is designed for visual artists at all career stages – whether you work on commission, sell through galleries, license your work commercially, or share it online.

Guest Speaker Pierre Valentin – Art Lawyer Pierre is one of the most respected art lawyers practising today and a leading figure in art and cultural property law. With over 25 years of experience, he has advised collectors, galleries, artists, museums, auction houses, private banks, and institutions across the UK, Europe, the USA, the Middle East and Asia. A specialist in copyright and resale rights, and an accredited mediator for the World Intellectual Property Organisation, Pierre is widely recognised as a “go-to lawyer” in the global art market, praised for his expertise, clarity and strategic approach.

The session will be recorded and a replay link will be shared with everyone who signs up. If you would like to submit a question in advance, please email events@visual-artists.org with the subject line Legal Hour Question.

This session is exclusive to all VAA Members. 
Booking is essential. If you experience any issues, please contact events@visual-artists.org

To join the Visual Artists Association, visit: https://visual-artists.org/join