Coming up on Thursday 22 May is the return of the CILIP/Naomi Korn Associates Copyright Conference, which provides an essential and practical guide through the latest copyright and licensing developments. Naomi Korn looks at some of the hot topics that will be shaping this year’s programme - book here.

THE CILIP Copyright Conference, run in association with Naomi Korn Associates is always a highlight of the year for me. The conference is tailored for information professionals and librarians, copyright leads, educators, and anyone involved in managing the use of copyrighted materials. It’s always an ideal annual pit-stop for us all to delve into crucial copyright and licensing issues affecting librarians and information professionals, from the challenges posed by AI to the evolving landscape of digital licensing.

Staying up to date with copyright developments is essential for librarians and information professionals. As the custodians of knowledge and access, they play a pivotal role in ensuring that their organisations comply with ever-evolving copyright laws, protecting institutional, rights holders and user interests.

Keeping pace with these developments and those in the digital spaces in which we operate, enables librarians and information professionals to support new ways of creating, sharing, and utilising information. It also positions them as advocates, focal points and often leaders in navigating the complex intersection of law, technology, creativity and practice, where often the answer is “it depends”! I certainly believe that being able to guide users in the responsible use of resources, understanding the complex fair dealing/licensing landscape in which they operate and influence policy discussions along the way, ensures that librarians and information professionals can safeguard the principles of equitable access and intellectual freedom.

AI’s continued impact

AI is transforming how we access, use and process information at an unprecedented pace, offering groundbreaking opportunities for innovation and efficiency. Whilst it’s clear what AI can do for us; it’s rapid progress also brings copyright challenges. AI systems, particularly large language models, rely on vast datasets, often comprising copyrighted material, to operate effectively.

This reliance raises critical concerns: Are creators and rights holders receiving appropriate attribution and fair (or any) compensation? Is the use of such material aligned with ethical standards, copyright law and the avoidance of plagiarism? Is AI a threat to the delicate copyright ecosystem, and how might its usage impact copyright regulations in the future?

For librarians and information professionals across all types of organisations, these issues are especially significant. As custodians of knowledge and champions of equitable access, they find themselves navigating the delicate balance between providing access, appraising potential risks, complying with the legislation and licensing agreements and safeguarding rights.

This role becomes increasingly complex in an AI-driven world, where technological advances often challenge existing copyright frameworks. So, it’s about how we can all harness the extraordinary and rapidly evolving functionality of AI, within the context of academic integrity, professional and ethical standards and the copyright and licensing regime. I don’t think anyone really has all the answers right now but keeping pace with developments and hooking into professional networks and hearing from experts and peers, such as those who will be presenting at CILIP Copyright Conference will be crucial.

Consultation

The UK Government’s Copyright and Artificial Intelligence Consultation was published on the 17 December 2024 and closes on the 25 February 2025. Its objective is for UK Government to seek views on how it can shape the copyright framework to both support AI development and usage as well as represent the interests of the Creative Industries www.gov.uk/government/consultations/copyright-and-artificial-intelligence.

At this stage, UK Government has proposed a preference for widening the existing text and data mining exception to enable any use (which had previously been proposed by the Conservative Government) with an opt-out for rights holders. By the time the CILIP Copyright Conference comes around on the 22 May 2025, the consultation will have closed, however, Margaret Haig, from the UK IPO who will be speaking at the conference, will hopefully provide us with an update about the results of the consultation and possibly the proposed direction of travel that UK Government is considering taking.

On a practical basis, if UK Government does decide to pursue an extended text and data mining exception, how this might work on the coal face will be interesting, and I would be keen to hear what UK IPO might have to say about this. The CILIP Copyright Conference will provide an excellent opportunity for questions to UK IPO and discussions about the consultation and potential next steps.

In a new copyright paradigm following any potential legislative changes, I would certainly say that the creative industries, education, research and businesses are most likely to feel the greatest effects. Information professionals and librarians across this broad range of sectors will be perfectly placed to bridge the gap between guiding users on how to harness the incredible potential of AI, whilst doing so responsibly and in accordance with legal and ethical considerations.

And whilst the consultation would have closed by CILIP Copyright Conference, I believe that we will need to keep revisiting this space as AI becomes more sophisticated and it creates tensions with the regulatory framework. The CILIP Copyright Conference is therefore a crucial resource for those wanting to contribute to the discussion consultation in a meaningful way. It’s a chance to learn from leading experts, engage with peers facing similar challenges, and hear directly from policymakers.

Develop knowledge

We’ve designed the event to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools they need to influence this important conversation. Through the presentations and panel discussion, we’re creating a space where professionals can develop informed, impactful responses to subsequent Government consultations and other policy initiatives.

Apart from AI, delegates will be thinking about the copyright implications of a rapidly evolving digital world. Through expert presentations, lightning talks, panel discussions and audience Q&A, they will be exposed to issues such as best practices in copyright education, orphan works and developments in licensing. All of these are fundamental as more organisations shift to digital-first approaches.

The CILIP Copyright Conference is one of the sector’s most important forum to connect, share, and collaborate on all things copyright. CILIP Copyright Conference fosters meaningful dialogue, equipping attendees with the skills and confidence to tackle copyright challenges head-on. As ever, it is an exciting time to be part of this conversation, and I’m so proud to chair the event and see how our community continues to rise to the occasion. Let’s make this year’s event the most impactful yet.

Speakers and topics

This year at CILIP Copyright Conference, we have a fantastic line up of speakers who bring exemplary levels of expertise, knowledge and experience to this dynamic space.

Our opening keynote will be given by Professor Ryan Abbott, who is based at the University of Sussex where he is a Professor of Law and Health Sciences. He is the author of The Reasonable Robot: Artificial Intelligence and the Law published in 2020 by Cambridge University Press, and he has published widely on issues ¬associated with law and technology, health law, and intellectual property in leading legal, medical, and scientific books and journals.

Other confirmed speakers include Margaret Haig, Head of Copyright Delivery at the UK’s Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO), Catherine Stephen, Head of Renewals & Growth: Education and Public Sector, CLA and myself where I will be providing an update about PhD research into orphan works and Brexit! Other speakers drawn from the sector will be announced shortly.

To book your place and to find out more about CILIP Copyright Conference visit.