Commercial and IP teams share their knowledge with graduating students at Leeds Arts University

The Summer School is open to graduating students from all honours and postgraduate degree courses. During the two week programme, students take part in a number of workshops from different businesses. These workshops are focused on giving advice to students wanting to set up their own businesses after university.

James took the students through the basics of contract law, and focussed on a number of issues likely to be relevant to those who spend any times in their careers as freelancers. This included discussing what a contract actually is, how they can arise; what formalities are required; what is usually covered in a contract; and what the key things to make sure you cover are. The group discussed what can happen if either party fails to carry out their obligations under a contract, and explored why being clear about what is expected of each party, and capping your liability, are sensible precautions.

Alan and Matthew’s IP workshop took the form of a round table discussion. Topics covered included: common IP issues that come up when trying to exploit art work or when using third part works, understanding when IP is generated, and who owns generated IP. The students took full advantage of the opportunity to ask questions and there were some very lively discussions.

This event follows on from earlier this year when we announced our collaboration with Heart Research UK. We offered an exclusive opportunity for Leeds Arts University students as part of the anonymous heART project. We asked students to submit a concept with an open brief that could include textile, illustration, photography, music or creative writing – as long as it fits onto an A5 postcard.

The winning design will be commissioned and auctioned as part of the anonymous heART auction alongside professional artists and celebrities taking part in the project. The winner will also receive £1,000 in prize money.