Who We Are

MdVLA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting Maryland artists’ legal rights. We believe it’s our responsibility to stand up for artists who need legal representation. Your work is precious. We can help protect it.

How We Do What We Do

Through the help of our professionally trained network of lawyers, we proudly provide pro bono legal referrals and services to artists in the state of Maryland. We hold lectures and seminars as well as Art Law Clinics for consultations, and we generate educational materials to keep you in the know.

Here’s How It Works

Step 1: Apply for a Legal Referral

Step 2: We Determine Your Eligibility

Step 3: We Attempt to Match You with a Lawyer

Other Services We Offer

Lectures and Seminars

Art Law Clinic

We regularly hold lectures and seminars to educate you on your rights and the services available to you through our programs.

Through this program, our volunteer attorneys meet with artists for a 30-minute consultation to go over their short-form legal issues related to their creative endeavors.

Educational Materials

February 16, 2026
  • Copyright, Trademark, and Patents for Artists

    February 16, 2026  5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
    Main Building, Main Bldg, 1300 W Mt Royal Ave, Baltimore, MD 21217, USA

    As an artist, your intellectual property is a valuable asset. Join MICA and MDVLA for a workshop about the basics of copyright, trademark, and patent law. The presentation will discuss what each type of intellectual property does and does not cover, ownership rights, and the steps you can take to prevent or address infringement of your work. Join if you’ve wondered what it means to share copyright with a co-author on song lyrics, if you can patent a clothing design, if you should register a trademark for your logo, or if you have any other questions specific to your work. 

    Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdWmlaP65CVAUxqcNRd1S-1xv7P6foZ8MWDY0iz8X0oHw0Jjg/viewform 

    See more details

February 17, 2026
  • Fair Use for Artists and Creatives

    February 17, 2026  2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

    Have you ever sampled another artist’s music? Added a photo from the internet to your website? Or, in some other way, incorporated another artist’s creative work into your own work? Join the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) and MDVLA for a deep dive into fair use, the legal doctrine that allows for the use of copyrighted materials in certain scenarios. This session will demystify the concept through real-life examples, as well as consider how it applies to your work. Any artist or creative who has wondered how to build on existing artistry without infringing on other people’s work is encouraged to attend.

    Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fair-use-for-artists-and-creatives-tickets-1981206331470?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

    See more details

February 24, 2026
  • Legal Issues for Musicians

    February 24, 2026  2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

    Are you performing, composing, or producing, and seeking a better understanding of how the law protects your work? Join the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) and MDVLA for a high-level overview of the legal issues that commonly affect musicians and sound artists. This session will introduce key areas of law relevant to your creative practice, including copyright, fair use, licensing, royalties, collaboration agreements, and more. Whether you are a musician or sound artist, join us for more information about how to safeguard your rights and strengthen your creative career.

    Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/legal-issues-for-musicians-tickets-1981764104785?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

    See more details

Call MdVLA at 410-752-1633.

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