VIS 101: User Centered Design: In Class Activities

Instructions:

• Summarize the issue and arguments - in enough detail for those outside of your group to understand!
• Discuss whether you agree or disagree with the points made in the article
• Be prepared for one (or more) people in your group to share with the whole class

Article options: 

1. Collage Artist Deborah Roberts Sues Fellow Artist, Gallery Claiming ‘Willful Copyright Infringement’ https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/deborah-roberts-lynthia-edwards-richard-beavers-gallery-lawsuit-1234640393/ 

   • In your discussion consider: Do you agree with Roberts or Edwards? What would the implications be for future artists of Roberts wins the case?  What if Edwards wins? What stands out to you most about the arguments being made?

2. Are Andy Warhol’s Silkscreens of Prince a Copyright Violation?  https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/should-andy-warhols-1984-series-of-prince-illustrations-be-subject-to-copyright-law-180980951/ 

   • In your discussion consider: Do you agree with Goldsmith or the Warhol argument? Do you think Warhol's work is "transformative" in nature? What would be the impact on photographers if Warhol wins?  What would be the impact on artists if Goldsmith wins? What stands out to you most about the arguments being made?   

3. Can I Use the Winnie the Pooh Characters to Make My Own Stuff? https://www.findlaw.com/legalblogs/law-and-life/can-i-use-the-winnie-the-pooh-characters-to-make-my-own-stuff

   • ​​​​​​​In your discussion consider: The differences between copyright and trademark.  How do the differences impact protecting your creative works?  What stands out to you most about the arguments being made?   

4. Robin Thicke, Pharrell Williams to pay $5 million to Marvin Gaye estate for 'Blurred Lines' https://www.forbes.com/sites/adriennegibbs/2018/03/21/marvin-gaye-wins-blurred-lines-lawsuit-pharrell-robin-thicke-t-i-off-hook/?sh=2109044f689b 

   • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​In your discussion consider: How do you think this ruling has impacted new artists?  Do you agree or disagree with the ruling?  Where do we draw the line between inspiration and infringement?  What stands out to you most about the arguments being made?   

5. Disney pulls 'Dia de los Muertos' trademark bid https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/05/08/disney-day-of-dead-trademark/2143527/ 
   • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​In your discussion consider: What is your initial reaction to Disney's trademark bid? Where, as a society, do we draw the line of what can and cannot be trademarked? Can you think of (ahem or Google) any other examples of trademarks that are surprising to share with the class?  What stands out to you most about the arguments being made?   

6. Michael Jackson, Patented Inventor? https://invention.si.edu/michael-jackson-patented-inventor

   • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​In your discussion consider: MJ did not invent the moonwalk - but should new dance moves be copyright protected?  Do you understand the difference between copyright and patents (discuss with the group and explain to the class!)?  What stands out to you most about the arguments being made?   

Evaluation Form (2024-25)

https://marymount.libwizard.com/f/VIS101FA22