20 May 2026
2-6pm

The Artist’s Name: Identity, Authorship and Legal Protection

 

We are pleased to announce the program of the conference on The Artist’s Name: Identity, Authorship and Legal Protection

which will take place on Wednesday, 20 May, from 2:00 to 6:00 pm, at the University of Fribourg. The Art Law Foundation (ALF) is happy to be a partner of this event, organized by the Swiss Forum for Communication Law.

 

Speakers: 

  • Prof. Jacques Dubey, Dean of the Law Faculty, University of Fribourg
  • Dr. Nicolas Galley, Director of Studies, EMAMS, University of Zurich & Lecturer, Department of Art History and Archeology, University of Fribourg
  • Prof. Noam Elcott, Associate Professor of Art History and Archaeology, Columbia University, New York
  • Prof. Edward M. Swiderski, Department of Philosophy, University of Fribourg
  • Dr. Anne Laure Bandle, Attorney-at-law and lecturer, Law Faculty, University of Fribourg
  • Dr. Karin Lorez, Legal advisor and entrepreneur

Registrations are open and the full programme is available here

 

This conference explores the many dimensions of the artist’s name – its historical emergence, conceptual significance, and legal protection in today’s art world. Bringing together perspectives from art history, philosophy, and law, the programme examines how artistic identity is constructed, expressed, and safeguarded across time and disciplines.

From the earliest practices of signing works and asserting authorship to contemporary artistic engagements with branding and trademarks, the talks highlight the evolving role of the artist’s name as both a marker of identity and a vehicle of value. The programme also broadens the perspective beyond the visual arts by addressing the artwork as an object of philosophical inquiry, exploring questions of identity, existence, and aesthetic experience in the context of music.

The legal dimension forms a central thread throughout the afternoon, addressing the increasing importance of the artist’s name as an economic and reputational asset. Particular attention is given to the protection under copyright and trademark law, as well as to the practical challenges faced by artists and art professionals in navigating brand preservation in a globalised market.

By combining historical insight, theoretical reflection, and legal analysis, the conference offers a comprehensive and nuanced perspective on the significance of the artist’s name in both cultural and legal contexts.

 

 

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