the SPEAKERS

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David Fewer in conversation with copyright lawyer Matthew Estabrooks moderated by Indigenous fashion designer and legal scholar Montana Cardinal. 

This keynote conversation tackles one of the most pressing legal questions of our time: Who owns art created with AI? With Canada’s first court case on AI authorship now underway  (CIPPIC v Sahni), this conversation explores how copyright law is evolving — and what’s at stake for artists, platforms, and the creative industries at large.

CIPPIC has launched Canada’s first court challenge against CIPO - Canada’s Intellectual Property Office – for granting copyright registration for an image that lists an AI program as an author. David Fewer, the law clinic’s legal counsel, will discuss this case, the implications and risks of granting authorship rights to AI and whether copyright law should even protect AI-created works alongside copyright expert and intellectual property lawyer Matthew Estabrooks. Can AI programs be authors under copyright law?

 These speakers will address this question, and more surrounding copyright, while also considering contrasting approaches to authorship and ownership by spotlighting Indigenous perspectives on intellectual property — offering a necessary counterpoint to Western copyright frameworks and how they apply (or fail to apply) to Indigenous knowledge, art, and cultural expression.

This panel is generously sponsored by Fred Wu Law (www.wulaw.ca) 

Music and entertainment lawyers Lyndra Griffith Harnden and Byron Pascoe in conversation with aspiring entertainment lawyer Emmanuel Appiah.

Whether you're a songwriter, producer, manager, or just curious about how the music industry actually works, this session will walk you through the legal basics every artist and entrepreneur should know. From copyright ownership and co-creation agreements, to royalties, contracts, and licensing, our panelists will share practical tips drawn from years of experience. 

Mansa Chintoh of Lionsgate Entertainment in conversation with film and entertainment lawyers Lyndra Griffith Harnden and Byron Pascoe moderated by intellectual property researcher and aspiring entertainment lawyer Naomi Brearley.

From deal-making to distribution, this panel explores the legal and commercial realities behind producing for screen — from indie films to studio projects to the things multinational production companies look for in prospective projects. Hear from lawyers and industry insiders on how to protect your work, structure your team, and take your ideas from pitch to premiere.

Former ballet dancer turned lawyer Amy Lehman and labour/employment lawyer Curtis Armstrong in conversation with filmmaker Duncan McDowall and DJ and community activist Kwende Kefentse, moderated by Ola Mirzoeva.

This cross-border conversation compares labour and contract norms in Canada and the U.S., with insights into artist work visas, international gig culture, and the shifting legal landscape for creative workers. Whether you’re freelancing, touring, hiring, or negotiating your first ever contract — this panel is packed with practical takeaways on the work that underpins building a creative career.