4 Week online Course | Instructor: Joe Sergi

Comic Book Law for Creators

$495.00

Too many creators have learned the hard way that ignorance of the law is no defense.

This four-week class for creators discusses all the relevant legal issues facing today’s creators in the areas of copyright, trademark, licensing, contracts, business structures, and censorship. And while the course is not meant to provide legal advice or replace the need to hire an attorney in every circumstance, it will certainly provide the necessary tools to help minimize legal costs related to the creation of comics.

The legal landscape of the publishing world is a dangerous place. A wrong step can cost you your creation, your money, and, in some cases, your freedom. In order to avoid potential liability, creators must understand complex concepts like work for hire, public domain and fair use. This course provides a basic background in the areas of intellectual property, copyright, trademark, contracts, business entities, and censorship. All aimed at helping creators gain an understanding of the types of things that can and cannot be done.

Once again, this course does not provide legal advice. However, it should provide enough information for creators to understand how each area of law functions. A better understanding of the basics of law often helps to narrow focus with a lawyer, which in turn may reduce billable hours in legal services dramatically. Approach contracts with confidence and make great comics without nagging legal fears!

 

Great Zombies in Comic Book History cover

  • The class will be taught by attorney Joe Sergi (Comic Book Law: Cautionary Tales for the Comic Book Creator, Sky Girl, Great Zombies in History), a practicing trial attorney, who regularly writes on legal topics related to comic book creation.
  • You’ll get lessons and lectures and discussions on relevant issues that creators must face every day!
  • You will be provided with a basic understanding of the concepts underlying business entities, contracts, trademarks, and copyrights through the use of real world fact patterns and examples.
  • You also get exclusive access to a dedicated class member-only online forum.
  • You’ll have access to recordings of any class in the series for the duration of the class and a few weeks after its conclusion–so you never have to miss a class!
  • Class size is limited to keep it awesome!

 

Joe Sergi

Joe Sergi is an attorney and an award winning author who has written articles, novels, short stories, and comic books in the horror, sci-fi, and young adult genres. Joe is a life-long comic fan who regularly writes on the history of comics and censorship for the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund and is the author of the upcoming book Comic Book Law, Cautionary Tales for the Comic Book Creator. A complete list of Joe’s titles is available at www.JoeSergi.net.

When not writing, Joe works as a Senior Litigation Counsel in an unnamed U.S. government agency. In addition to numerous outstanding attorney awards and special commendations, Joe received the Attorney General’s Distinguished Service Award in August 2001. Joe is also a member of the adjunct faculty at George Mason University School of Law.

Sky Girl front cover

The single best (and only) creator-focused comic book law course on Earth! Or so we believe. The course was designed to make sure you could learn everything we can possibly cram into four weeks.

What if I don’t know anything about the law?

Have no fear, this course is geared for the novice. Joe will take you through all the foundational elements and be available to answer any questions should they arise.

Is there homework?

Of course not. That would be silly. There will be a midterm that accounts for 50% of your grade. Just kidding.

What do I do after the class?

Once the course is over, you should have the necessary skills to understand the basics underlying intellectual property, business structure, and contracts. These skills will enable creators to understand if counsel should be hired and help narrow the issues (and therefore the billable hours) for the work performed.

What else will we be doing?

In addition to talking with Joe during the class sessions–and they are recorded if you have to miss one or more–you’ll also have exclusive access to a dedicated class member-only online forum where your class can meet any time for the duration of the course.

The forum is where you’ll be able to discuss the items brought up in class and view supplemental material.

Do I need to know a whole lot about comics?

Absolutely not. All Introduction courses are designed for total beginners. These courses aren’t about the instructor, and that’s why we keep them small. We have an excellent track record with our students, and it’s our top aim to keep it that way.

Is Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit or Continuing Professional Educational (CPE) credit available for this course?

Sorry, no. Luckily, a comic book creator doesn’t need CLE or CPE credits.

Do I need to be a computer wiz for the class?

Nope. Not one bit. You need to have high-speed Internet access. We recommend that you have headphones with a microphone to plug into your computer for live discussions, but that’s by no means necessary. Ultimately, you don’t have to speak if you don’t want to, though we like hearing your voice!

What if I miss a class?

These classes are pre-recorded, released once a week and available to view via streaming link for the duration of the course. And on top of that, you’ll have exclusive 24/7 access to the Comics Experience forum. You’ll be able to ask the instructor questions and interact with the rest of your class all course long at any time! The last class will be a live Q & A session with your instructor – recorded and added to the classroom forum for review.

If I don’t live in the United States, can I still take the course?

You bet. We’ve had students jump in from Europe, Asia, Australia, South America, and Africa. Not Antarctica yet, but give us time! Some of these students have not been able to attend live, but they’ve viewed the recordings and interacted with their classmates online! That said, the governing law covered in the course is United States law, so though laws may be similar in other countries, the course will be most relevant to creators working, collaborating, publishing or selling in the United States.

How do I sign up?

Simply add the course to your shopping cart and check out. We will send you a confirmation email typically within 48 hours! If you’ve got any questions you can contact us at info@ComicsExperience.com to follow up. Our email confirmation contains information and instructions, giving you everything you need to get started with the course.

Given that this was the first course of this type ever offered, there simply is no better Comic Book Law for Creators course offered–on the Internet or live. This is the best–period. If you want to make comics for fun or become a pro, your comics career starts here. Go ahead and reserve your spot today! Space is limited.

To participate in our live online sessions you will need:

What if I need to cancel my enrollment?

Unfortunately, Comics Experience cannot provide a full refund for course enrollment once the course is purchased.

  • From the time of purchase until twenty-one (21) days before the class start date, 50% of the course fee can be refunded.
  • Between twenty (20) and seven (7) days prior to the class start date, 25% of the course fee can be refunded.
  • Six (6) days or fewer before the course start date, no refund will be issued.
  • We appreciate your understanding and compliance to help us keep costs down and to continue offering high quality courses.