Name, Image, and Likeness Rights in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
When
May 20, 2026
12:00 - 1:30 PM ET
Where
Online
Artificial intelligence and digital media have reshaped how personal identity can be captured, manipulated, and monetized. Name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights are transforming alongside technology to provide greater protections to athletes, entertainers, and content creators. This panel features a discussion with two individuals in the music industry who have been intimately involved in shaping new NIL policy from the ground up: Jessica Richard, Senior Vice President, Federal Public Policy at the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and Mark Baker, Senior Vice President, Public Policy and Government Affairs at Warner Music Group. We will examine the origins of NIL rights, the current NIL statutory landscape, and the push for federal legislation addressing NIL in connection with AI-generated deepfakes.
Learning Outcomes
- Understanding the foundational legal principles of NIL rights and their distinction from other intellectual property protections.
- Exploring state-by-state variations in NIL legislation and the push for federal standardization.
- Investigating emerging legislative responses to AI-generated artificial media.
- Anticipating future developments in digital rights, platform regulation, and cross-industry applications.
SPEAKER LINE UP
Jessica Richard, Senior Vice President, Federal Public Policy at Recording Industry Association of America® (RIAA)
Jessie Richard serves as Senior Vice President for Federal Public Policy at the Recording Industry Association of America. In this role, she advises on a broad range of policy issues with the potential to affect the music industry, focusing primarily on intellectual property and technology policy. She represents RIAA on Capitol Hill and before federal agencies, as well as in the states, and frequently engages with industry experts, academics, and other stakeholders, informing and supporting her advocacy for strong intellectual property rights and creative freedom. Before joining RIAA, Jessie practiced law for nearly eight years at Williams & Connolly, LLP, specializing in commercial litigation and intellectual property. She is a graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of Michigan Law School.
Mark Baker, Senior Vice President, Public Policy and Government Affairs at Warner Music Group
Mark T. Baker joined Warner Music Group (WMG) in November 2017 where he is responsible for developing and advocating policy positions on behalf of the business. He serves as the primary liaison with government and regulatory bodies globally and represents WMG at key trade associations regarding public policy matters. He was a founding Board member of the Warner Music Group/Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund and represents WMG on the Board of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). He is based in New York.
He has extensive experience working on international trade, public policy, and regulatory issues; multilateral, regional, and bilateral trade negotiations; intellectual property rights; tax and tariff policies; and standards and technical barriers to trade.
Ben Silvers, Associate at Hamilton Brook Smith Reynolds
Ben’s practice specializes in U.S. and international trademark application preparation and prosecution. His expertise spans all phases of federal and international trademark prosecution, from clearance searches to registration. His experience also includes preparing agreements, such as settlement agreements and non-disclosure agreements, and handling adversarial matters, such as cease and desist letters.
Before joining the firm, Ben gained experience as a legal intern at prominent intellectual property and general law practice firms. During this time, he worked with clients in the fields of pharmaceutical manufacturing, biotechnology, medical devices, consumer products, entertainment, fashion, and art.