In this episode of The Daily Creator, Eric Farber, founder and CEO of Creator's Legal and former entertainment lawyer with 20+ years of experience, dives into a landmark influencer lawsuit — Gifford v. Shield — that asked the provocative question: Can you copyright a vibe?
Eric breaks down why copyright protects expression, not aesthetics or trends, and why this case, dubbed the "beige case," challenges common misconceptions about intellectual property in the creator economy.
The lawsuit involved claims ranging from copyright infringement to trade dress and misappropriation of likeness, all centered around whether a social media “look and feel” can be legally protected. The case’s dismissal and settlement reveal important lessons about legal strategy, creative ownership, and the limits of what the law can safeguard in an era of viral content and shared culture.
Creators will learn why building a defensible brand requires more than just a vibe—it demands originality, proper licensing, and legal grounding. Eric also previews a live conversation on LinkedIn addressing creators’ biggest legal challenges in 2025, covering contracts, copyright, AI, and more.
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