Description
The 2025 Digital Media Masterclass will feature two interlinked sessions exploring the future of copyright and digital content strategy in a rapidly evolving legal and technological landscape.
Copyright laws have long been a battleground between the interests of creative industries and the public. The recent expiry of iconic works, such as early depictions of Winnie the Pooh and Mickey Mouse, has brought renewed focus to the duration of copyright protections and the implications of works entering the public domain. At the same time, the rise of AI-generated content has raised complex questions about the scope of copyright protections.
Rights holders legitimately argue that strong copyright protections are essential to ensure fair compensation and incentivise creativity. However, others maintain that overprotection can stifle innovation and limit the development of new creative works. The controversy surrounding the UK Government’s recent consultation on Copyright and AI, which (amongst other things) proposed the introduction of a text and data mining (TDM) exemption under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 which would permit AI companies to train their models on copyrighted works unless the rights holder has reserved their rights, further highlights the growing tension between protecting creative rights and enabling proper technological advancement.
In addition, the growth of e-sports as a global commercial industry has introduced new challenges and legal considerations surrounding the creation, use, and regulation of digital content.
This masterclass will explore the evolving legal landscape of copyright in the context of both generative AI and e-sports. Across the two sessions, leading legal and industry experts will discuss how copyright law and content strategy in creativity, protecting rights, and fostering innovation in the digital age
Chairs:
Shobana Iyer, Barrister | Arbitrator, Swan Chambers, Co-Chair of SCL Digital Media Group
Moderator for Session 1:
Julia Ostendorf, Associate: Kirkland and Ellis
Moderator for Session 2:
Benson Egwuonwu, Managing Associate, Slateford
Speakers:
Alex Cole, Partner, Russells
Stephen Coudounaris, Associate, Kirkland and Ellis
Corina Demeter-Olive, Associate, Kirkland and Ellis
Martyna Polak-Ross, Senior Legal Counsel, Sky
Shobana Iyer, Barrister | Arbitrator, Swan Chambers, Co-Chair of SCL Digital Media Group
CJ Ntsiu, Legal Counsel (Sports and Entertainment), EA SPORTS
Session 1: Copyright in the Age of AI and Creativity
The session begins with a foundational overview of what copyright protects, how long it lasts, and what happens when works enter the public domain. Copyright principles will be explained with reference to two case studies involving Mickey Mouse and Taylor Swift. The session will also examine the UK Government’s proposals for a text and data mining exemption in a commercial context, licensing mechanisms, and the rights of creators in an AI-influenced landscape.
As AI increasingly influences how content is created and consumed, the panel aims to address the legal and ethical challenges posed by generative technologies. From the 2023 Hollywood strikes—where writers and actors sought protection against AI replacement—to current litigation involving AI training datasets, the session examines how creators, platforms, and governments (UK, US and EU) are responding.
Session 2: E-Sports: Legal Strategies for a Rapidly Expanding Industry
As e-sports matures into a multi-billion dollar global industry, the legal complexities facing stakeholders have grown in tandem. From the rise of online gaming platforms and high-stakes international tournaments to the development of immersive multiplayer titles, the competitive gaming ecosystem presents a unique mix of commercial opportunities and legal challenges.
This session will examine the regulation and strategic exploitation of content within the e-sports space, with a particular focus on intellectual property rights and the licensing of copyrighted materials. We will also explore broader governance issues, including player participation rights, contract structures, and the growing need for standardisation in rules and disciplinary procedures across leagues and tournaments. The session will provide a brief introduction to the work of the International Games and Esports Tribunal (IGET), highlighting its role in promoting effective dispute resolution and governance in the industry.
Panellists will discuss how publishers, promoters, and players can navigate issues related to streaming rights, game modifications, user-generated content, and brand integrations. We will primarily look at the strategic aspects of content issues for key stakeholders in the e-sports ecosystem; and also touch upon wider issues regarding the governance of e-sports and how lawyers operating in this space can exercise best practice in achieving their clients’ commercial objectives.
Why is this event important:
As AI transforms the creative landscape and iconic works enter the public domain, the legal framework governing copyright is facing unprecedented challenges. This Masterclass provides essential insights for legal practitioners, content creators, developers, publishers, and rights holders navigating this complex terrain. In parallel, the continued growth of e-sports demands a nuanced understanding of how to manage and protect digital content. Attendees will gain actionable knowledge on how copyright law and IP strategy intersect with emerging technologies, helping them stay ahead in fast-changing markets.
Who is this event for:
- IP and Technology Lawyers (in private practice and in-house)
- Content creators and media professionals
- AI developers and data scientists
- Legal academics and students in the digital media
- Policy advisors and regulators
- Game developers, e-sports promoters and digital rights mangers
Alex Cole, Partner, Russells
Alex is head of the digital and technology team at Russells, advising talent, media organisations and technology companies on the convergence between entertainment (including music, film, TV, theatre and publishing) and technology.
Particular areas of expertise include:
- Artificial intelligence
- Digital music and audiovisual content licensing
- Web3
- Influencers
- Video games and esports
- Branding and endorsements
- Podcasting
- Online regulatory matters
- Data
He also advises on corporate and commercial matters across the entertainment industry generally.
Stephen Coudounaris, Associate, Kirkland and Ellis
Stephen Coudounaris, is an experienced lawyer with a demonstrated history in supporting clients in intellectual property, technology, AI, data and privacy elements of high value corporate transactions (including mergers & acquisitions, divestitures, private equity investments and corporate reorganisations) and on IP, software and technology-related outsourcings, licenses, joint ventures, partnerships, services agreements and other complex commercial agreements. Stephen is an associate in the Technology and IP transactions team at Kirkland & Ellis.
Corina Demeter-Olive, Associate, Kirkland and Ellis
Corina Demeter-Olive, is a corporate and commercial lawyer with extensive experience advising clients across industries on the IP, IT and data protection aspects that arise in complex corporate deals (including mergers & acquisitions, carve-outs, and private equity investments). Corina also regularly assists clients with strategic partnerships, IP exploitation and licensing matters, and the full range of commercial agreements. Previously, Corina also worked closely with established VC funds and other investors in relation to their investments into IP-heavy emerging companies. Corina is an associate in the Technology and IP transactions team at Kirkland & Ellis
Shobana Iyer, Co-Chair of the Digital Media Group
Shobana is a commercial barrister and arbitrator practising at Swan Chambers, specialising in intellectual property, technology, and commercial law. She in additional to dealing with dispute resolution (from litigation, ADR to negotiations) in this area, she advices clients on the intersection of law, media, and emerging technologies; is a thought-leader on many policy groups and regular speaker on legal aspects of digital innovation and emerging technologies.
CJ Ntsiu Legal Counsel (Sports and Entertainment), EA SPORTS
CJ is a commercial lawyer with over three years’ experience advising stakeholders in the sport, entertainment, and media sectors. His expertise spans across partnerships, sponsorships, IP licensing, endorsements, image rights, esports, events and brand marketing. CJ is currently a sports & entertainment legal counsel for EA SPORTS.
This event has been organised by the SCL Digital Media Group
Administration notes:
Fees:
£100 + VAT (£120) for SCL members
£200 + VAT (£240) for non-members
To enquire about SCL membership and receive the discounted fee, please email hello@scl.org.
Booking terms and conditions:
Please refer to SCL’s full event terms and conditions here.
Joining details:
For online events, we will send the Zoom link on the morning of the event.
Recording:
This event will be recorded and the recording will be available to delegates shortly afterward.
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