The Loyola of Los Angeles Entertainment Law Review (“ELR”) hosted on February 21, 2025, its annual Symposium at Loyola Law School. The Symposium, entitled “From Precedent to Algorithm: Navigating AI, Law, and the New Entertainment Frontier,” discussed emerging topics spanning the entertainment and sports industries and the growing impact of artificial intelligence (“AI”) on the legal industry. The Symposium included three panels featuring attorneys from across the industry and a keynote speaker to finish the evening.
The first panel, titled “The AI Trap: Streaming Royalties Fraud and the Role of Fair Use in Voice Mimicry,” focused on music law and featured Christiane Kinney, CEO and Founder of Kinney Law, P.C.; Scott McDowell, partner at King, Holmes, Paterno & Soriano, LLP; and Carron Mitchell, partner at Nixon Peabody, LLP. These panelists provided insight on how artists’ voices are being mimicked and the lack of fair use surrounding the mimicry. Lawyers involved are learning how to contract around AI and are facing difficulties surrounding identification of AI-assisted and AI-generated music. Nevertheless, Mitchell stated, “for talent and musicians themselves, AI is an amazing tool when it’s used correctly and not abused.”
The second panel of the evening, titled “Shifting to Smaller Screens: Negotiating Talent Deals in an Increasingly Digital Landscape,” focused on the evolving TV and film industry. It featured Loyola Law School alum Ellie Heisler ‘08, partner at Nixon Peabody, LLP; Brad Miller, partner at Davis Wright Tremaine LLP; and Jamie Shepard, senior associate at Donaldson Calif Perez. They discussed novel aspects when drafting contracts for YouTube, social media, and content creation, such as lawyers fighting for rights talent typically wouldn’t receive early in their careers. When asked about protecting clients and navigating negotiations amid the impact of AI and its unknown consequences, Shepard mentioned they are following the guidance of the U.S. Copyright Office. The panelists also stated that AI can be used for good purposes, such as protecting privacy and inherently controversial subject matter.
The final panel of the evening shifted to the sports industry, with a discussion titled, “Joining the Club: Legal Implications of Introducing AI Tools into Sports.” The panel comprised Derrick A. Davis Jr., General Counsel at Angel City Football Club; Sonia Nayak, managing partner of the Los Angeles office at Nixon Peabody LLP; and fellow Loyola Law School alum, Whitney Unruh ‘14, Senior Vice President at Wasserman Media Group. The panelists discussed the use of AI for collecting performance data and biometric data, optimizing players’ performance, and improving fans’ broadcast experience. Nayak stated, “concerns surrounding data collection and privacy go far beyond the game and extend to you as an observer,” when referring to the broader implications for the fan experience.
Finally, the Symposium concluded with a keynote presentation by Natalie LeVeck, Senior Counsel at Google, titled “Fame in the Age of AI: the Promise and Perils of Generative Technology for Celebrities.” LeVeck shared her perspective, stating that AI isn’t the enemy, but artists and creators alike should start being cautious. She raised thought-provoking questions, including: What legal protections exist when someone’s face or voice is used without their permission? Do celebrities own their AI-generated likeness? Is there an automatic claim? Can an AI-generated performance be copyrighted? Although most of the questions remain unanswered, these challenges are already disrupting the industry.
ELR was thrilled to host such a well-rounded event, providing a platform for experts and legal minds to explore recent trends and concerns within the entertainment and sports sectors. It would like to thank its esteemed panelists for sharing insights into their respective fields with ELR members and fellow attorneys. It would also like to thank its editors and staffers for attending, and for their continued dedication and support for the organization. Lastly, it would like to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of its Chief Articles & Symposia Editor, Mandri Randeniya, and its Senior Articles & Symposia Editor, Emily Quach for organizing such an exceptional event.