• The British Literary and Artistic Copyright Association

     

    The British Literary & Artistic Copyright Association, BLACA,

    is the UK national group of the International Literary and Artistic Association (ALAI)

    founded in Paris in 1878 under the Presidency of Victor Hugo.

    It provides a forum for discussion of matters affecting the rights of authors and other copyright owners.

  • Save the date for our upcoming seminar on Martin v Bodega [2025] EWHC 1827 (IPEC), discussing ideas, expressions, altered copies and substantial parts. The seminar will be a lively discussion chaired by Simon Clark on some of the issues raised in David Stone’s recent decision in Martin v Bodega. These will cover the application of the Designers Guild, the approach to the issue of copying a substantial part in this case, the potential scope for passing off where copyright or design rights may not apply, the need for knowledge for joint tortfeasorship, compared with strict liability for first importers under s.18 and best practice for bringing a copyright action.

    6pm, 13 November 2025, Bristows

    Recent news and updates

    ALAI European Authors' Right Award - Supported by GESAC - 2024/2025 Edition - The deadlines for applications has now passed (15 November 2024). Results will be announced soon. You can download the relevant information here: Flyer in English and French; Guidelines in English and French; Application form in English and French.

    On 17 February 2024, ALAI adopted a Resolution concerning the impact of AI on copyright, accessible here.

    Membership

    The annual subscription is £50. This covers attendance at all the regular meetings and entitles members to a substantial discount on the fee for joint BLACA seminars. BLACA members are automatically members of ALAI with entitlement to discounted fees to attend its international Congresses and Study Days each year and to receive free copies of the proceedings (A special registration fee is available for registered students). Enquiries to Stephen Edwards.

  • Contact us

    Stephen Edwards, Chairman: sedwards@ReedSmith.com

    Dr Maria Mercedes Frabboni, Honorary Treasurer: m.m.frabboni@sussex.ac.uk

  • Directions

    Seminars in presence will be held at Bristows,
    100 Victoria, Embankment, EC4Y 0DH