The Center for Intellectual Property Law & Information Technology (CIPLIT) at the DePaul University College of Law will sponsor programs that discuss Internet data security and copyright protection for directors of theatrical productions.

The first seminar, “Data Privacy and the Internet,” is a luncheon program designed to explore some of the current legal developments involving security for data found in cyberspace. The event, which is co-sponsored by the Intellectual Property Law Association of Chicago, will be held from noon until 1:30 p.m. at the DePaul Club, 1 E. Jackson Blvd., 11th floor. The second event is part of CIPLIT’s Visiting Artist program, which looks at intellectual property (IP) issues raised in the fine arts arena. It will be held from 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. Jan. 25 in the DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson Blvd., Room 8005. Both programs are open to the public and cost $25.

“CIPLIT provides a forum where the most critical IP issues of the day can be discussed,” said Barbara Bressler, a DePaul College of Law professor and the director of CIPLIT. “These two programs were planned to help both lawyers and laymen understand the current legal landscape for data security in the Internet age, as well as how copyright laws impact upon those who direct stage plays. As the law advances to keep pace with our changing society, the protection and ownership of such things as ideas, talent and information will continue to be critical topics in the area of IP law. By sponsoring programs like these, CIPLIT aims to be a resource for understanding changes and developments as they unfold. ”

Katherine J. Strandburg, a DePaul law professor, will give a summary presentation at the data privacy program on Jan. 24. Strandburg, who teaches a range of IP subjects including cyber law and information privacy law, will give an overview of the type of data found in cyberspace that is subject to protection and the recent case law and legislation available to offer that security.

The Jan. 25 seminar will be a panel discussion that addresses copyright safeguards as they relate to a director’s staging of a play. Bressler explains that many believe that a director’s work to stage a production is not copyrightable because it is not an original work of authorship. Others have held that if the staging is copyrightable, the copyright belongs to the playwright or producer because the director’s staging is a work for hire. However, with current urging by unions that represent directors, the push has been toward more recognition of a director’s staging as a work suitable for copyright protection.

The panel will include:

Austin Pendleton—A director and Steppenwolf Theatre ensemble member since 1987. His acting credits include appearances in Cormac McCarthy’s “The Sunset Limited,” and Steppenwolf’s “Uncle Vanya,” “Valparaiso” and “Educating Rita.” He has also directed several Steppenwolf plays including “Love Song,” “Harvey” and “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.”

Todd Musburger—An attorney who specializes in media and entertainment law. A sole practitioner in the firm of Todd W. Musburger, Ltd., he concentrates on representing prominent individuals in the fields of television, radio, film, publishing, sports and music

Magit Livingston—A professor of law at the DePaul College of Law who teaches intellectual property, and copyrights and trademark law. She also is a graduate of Chicago’s renowned Second City Conservatory Program in Improvisational Comedy.

Consistently ranked among the best IP programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report, CIPLIT was established by the College of Law in 1997. It offers more than 30 courses and four certifications in IP law. Students also can gain valuable experience providing legal assistance to local artists and inventors through the center’s Technology Intellectual Property Clinic or through the program’s summer job program, which is one of the most extensive in the country.

For more information about either program, contact Vadim Shifrin, assistant director of CIPLIT, at 312/362-8415 or by email at vshifrin@depaul.edu.