(NORTH ADAMS, Mass.) – Intellectual property lawyer Paul Rapp will discuss fair use, copyrights and trademarks in the First Thursdays Discussions series at Historic Beaver Mill on Thursday, August 4, at 6 p.m. Of particular interest to artists, the talk and discussion are free, and light refreshments will be served.

Rapp is an intellectual property lawyer, writer and musician living and working in Housatonic, Mass.  He teaches art and entertainment law at Albany Law School and MCLA and regularly appears on WAMC’s VoxPop program as a copyright expert. Rapp posts his writings about intellectual property law, art and society at paulrapp.com and rapponthis.blogspot.com.

“I heard Paul talk about a year or two ago, and I was not only entertained, but I was very impressed with what he said, and I learned a lot,” says artist and developer Eric Rudd. “In fact, I ended up using Paul for some copyright work on my behalf. I think anyone who deals with creating images and/or creative works will appreciate this discussion.”

The first Beaver Mill Discussion featured Mayor Dick Alcombright introducing his new Director of Tourism, Veronica Bosley. The talk was well attended.

This Thursday’s discussion will be held in the studio/gallery of studio21south. Use the south (left when facing the mill) entrance and go to the second floor (signs will point the way).