Publishing Law: Learn to Protect Your Clients and Yourself

SD/PEN May 2021 Program Meeting

Writing and editing great work should be your focus as an editor. But worrying about what you can and can’t use from others' works, the legalities of trademark usage, or whether that contract you signed is in your best interest can sidetrack you from that mission. 

Amy Cook, JD, presents this workshop where we’ll learn about many legal issues that editors have questions about. Then you can be sure you’re on solid legal ground. We’ll cover these topics:

• Copyright basics, including fair use

• Trademarks

• Defamation (libel)

• Invasion of privacy

• Publicity rights

As a bonus, Amy will also discuss contract terms as they relate to your business, including negotiating tips.

Ms. Cook’s company, Amy Cook Consulting, provides legal services and consulting for individuals, small businesses, and nonprofits. Areas of focus include intellectual property, libel law, contract drafting and review (publishing contracts, author-agent, author-illustrator, work for hire, nondisclosure agreements), prepublication manuscript review, business and nonprofit formation, regulatory compliance, mediation, and certification for women/minority/veteran-owned businesses.

Amy’s education includes a BA in communications from UCLA, a master’s in journalism from Drake University, and a JD from Drake University Law School.

SD/PEN strives to be an ally with all Black communities and to use allyas a verb. SD/PEN does not tolerate racism in any form, whether systemic, intentional, or reportedly unintentional. For our full diversity statement, please visit sdpen.com.