In an ever-evolving landscape where technology intersects with creativity, the Mozilla Foundation is stepping into the spotlight. The foundation is hosting an event in Los Angeles, named Copyforward, aimed at facilitating dialogue between artists, filmmakers, legal experts, and technologists regarding the intricate relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and intellectual property (IP). This gathering, part of the Flux Festival, represents a vital effort to reshape the conversation around creative ownership amidst the rapid advancements in AI.
At the heart of the Matter is the concern that current rules regarding AI and IP are being shaped without significant input from the very artists whose works are affected. Mozilla Foundation, recognizing this gap, has committed to bringing together the stakeholders in this discourse. Scheduled for April 24, 2026, the Copyforward symposium is co-presented by USC Gould School of Law's Center for Sports, Entertainment, Media Technology (SEMT) and the university's AI for Media Storytelling (AIMS).
As Ziyaad Bhorat, the Vice President of Imagination Strategic Growth at Mozilla Foundation, stated, 'Intellectual property frameworks are the hidden architecture of creative economies.' These frameworks define who has a stake, who profits, and who has creative rights, often excluding artists from the negotiation tables until decisions are already made. In the era of AI, these frameworks are under scrutiny, and the Mozilla Foundation is eager to address these issues head-on.
The Copyforward event follows prior assemblies held by Mozilla Foundation in Los Angeles, which combined the perspectives of diverse participants — from musicians and filmmakers to gig workers and academics. Through these discussions, the foundation articulated 'Hollywood's 8 Rules for AI,' an innovative set of design principles advocating for a transparent process that values credit and lineage in the creative workflow, addressing the needs of the entire creative community, rather than just the platforms benefitting from their work.
Continuing on this path, Copyforward seeks to juxtapose these community-driven principles with the perspectives of legal experts who are actively navigating the changing IP landscape. Notable figures scheduled to appear include USC Gould School of Law Professor Doug Emhoff, along with several studio lawyers and guild representatives.
Day Two of the festival invites a broader audience to engage with performances and exhibits by artists like Andrew Thomas Huang and Tender Claws, further bridging the gap between innovation in artistry and the ongoing dialogue about AI's role in shaping our creative futures. This vibrant showcase is designed to not only entertain but also to stimulate thoughts about the implications of AI within the arts.
Mozilla Foundation aims to leverage events such as these to build a movement that emphasizes people and community over the sole interests of corporations. 'The Mozilla Public License was an act of imagination,' says Nabiha Syed, Executive Director of Mozilla Foundation, reflecting on the organization's history and ongoing commitment to fostering open, consent-driven practices.
As Copyforward opens its doors, Los Angeles becomes one node in a larger series of events by Mozilla Foundation that will delve into various creative economies around the globe, including Mumbai, where themes of imagination and storytelling intersect with technological advancements.
For those eager to explore this intersection, the full program of the Flux Festival can be found at
flux.net, where the union of art, technology, and law continues to unfold in a world increasingly defined by artificial intelligence and the evolving relationship it has with human creativity.