The Evolving Copyright Practice: From Static Rules to Global Strategy

Copyright law used to be considered a quiet, "boutique" field—but things have changed. With the rise of AI and global digital marketplaces, copyright has transformed into a high-stakes battlefield. We sit down with Kristyn Webb, a copyright litigator at Fishman Stewart, to discuss how technology is rewriting the concept of ownership and why firms are desperate for new experts in "Soft IP".In this episode, we cover:The AI Revolution: How the legal world is grappling with training data, generated outputs, and the lack of global consensus on AI copyright.Global Enforcement: Why copyright lawyers need to look beyond lawsuits and work with Customs and Border Protection to stop infringing goods before they enter the country.The Human Element: The importance of understanding "moral rights" and protecting an artist's legacy (and immortality).Career Advice: Why you shouldn't be discouraged if you don't land an IP job immediately, and how "side quests" like clerking can make you a better litigator.Click here to view the episode transcript. (00:00) - Introduction: Copyright Law’s Evolution in the Age of AI (01:44) - Meet Kristyn Webb: Copyright Litigator & Soft IP Expert (03:27) - Breaking into IP: A Non-Linear Career Path to Copyright Law (05:11) - Future of IP: Concierge Services and Artificial Intelligence (06:42) - Legal Job Market: The Growing Demand for Trademark & Copyright Attorneys (08:44) - IP Strategy: Using Copyright for Border Enforcement & Brand Protection (12:54) - Day in the Life: Litigating Diverse Cases from Cartoons to Digital Rights (15:34) - Moral Rights & Legacy: The Human Element of Intellectual Property (21:42) - Global Copyright: AI Training Data and International Jurisdiction (25:03) - Student Resources: The Copyright Claims Board & Law School Clinics (26:59) - Career Advice: Leveraging Clerkships and "Side Quests" for IP Jobs (31:45) - Host Debrief: The Broad Scope of Copyrightable Works (including Dance) (38:43) - Conclusion: Balancing Artistic Passion with Legal Career Practicality