The lecture will analyse to what extent copyright laws regulate street art and graffiti. The focus will be on selected copyright-related aspects which are relevant to street and graffiti art, namely: (a) originality of graffiti lettering; (b) moral rights of street artists and writers (with emphasis on whether the integrity right could be invoked by street and graffiti artists to oppose the destruction and removal of their pieces); (c) protection of illegal artworks. The lecture will also delve into social norms observed by street artists and writers within this artistic subculture.

Dr Enrico Bonadio is Reader at The City Law School. His current research agenda focuses on the copyright protection of unconventional forms of expression, including graffiti and street art. Enrico has also conducted research in areas including IP and AI/robotics, academic innovation, geographical indications, the patentability of human embryonic stem cells, and patents and food safety.

Dr Luke McDonagh is Assistant Professor in the Law Department at the London School of Economics (LSE). He has conducted research on the interplay between intellectual property owners and users in free-sharing creative environments (such as those of theatre, open-source software and traditional music), patent litigation, and the relationship between IP and AI.

Dr Paula Westenberger is Lecturer in Intellectual Property Law at Brunel University London. Paula's research interests cover the intersection between copyright law, human rights and culture, with particular focus on topics including limitations and exceptions to copyright, the use of digital technology by cultural heritage institutions, and the relationship between artistic freedom and copyright law.

The event will be chaired by Dr Plamen Dinev (Goldsmiths, University of London).