2026 European Media Lawyers Conference Paris June 16
Continuing MLRC’s series of annual meetings in Europe, we invite you to join us in Paris for a full day of discussion and networking. The conference brings together media lawyers from Europe and the United States to discuss comparative media law, strategies to defend freedom of expression, and ways to strengthen the media lawyer community.
Program Highlights
President and Brigitte Macron v. Owens: Cyberbullying or Free Speech?
How will the Macrons’ defamation case against online commentor Candace Owens be litigated in the United States? Will the actual malice standard protect false statements made about the President and his wife? What to expect if the case goes to trial? How does the American case compare to proceedings in France? What are the legal boundaries for criticizing public officials?
Charlie Hebdo 11 Years Later
Journalists and lawyers will discuss the legacy of the attack on the magazine, the impact on cartoonists and political commentary, and the regulation of hate speech in France and Europe.
AI & Copyright Law
Leading in-house and IP lawyers will discuss emerging law and regulation surrounding the use or misuse of media content to develop AI and the differing fair use / fair dealing rules in Europe and the US.
US v. Europe: Free Speech and Social Media Platforms
Vice President Vance has criticized Europe for curtailing free speech. Is he right? Is the criticism of European social media regulation well-founded or “pure bullshit” as claimed by President Macron?
The “Napalm Girl” Criminal Defamation Case
Did the Netflix documentary about the famous Vietnam war photograph defame photographer Nick Ut? Why is the case in criminal court? Is the debate over the origin of the photograph a matter of public interest? What is the scope of protection for documentaries under European and US law?
Location & Registration
This year’s conference is hosted by Dentons Paris at 5 Bd Malesherbes, near Place de la Madeleine. Registration is 150 Euros and includes light breakfast, lunch and after conference reception on June 16.