Publishers’ Licensing Services (PLS) has revealed the full programme of its free day-long conference dedicated to copyright and licensing, returning on 3 July at 1 Wimpole Street. This year’s sessions will focus on artificial intelligence, with Karen Rønde of the Danish Press Publications Collective Management Organisation (DPCMO) providing the conference keynote speech.

As with last year, PLS’ four trade association members will provide sessions. PPA Chief Executive Sajeeda Merali will be joined by Chris Duncan, Chief Executive of Seedelta. Duncan will draw from his extensive experience leading major publishing businesses through rapid technological changes to provide an overview of the AI and publishing landscape. Jack Newton, Head of Content Protection and Enforcement at the Publishers Association, will highlight the role of shadow libraries and how they have been controversially used to train well-known large language AI models.

With AI and copyright under intense scrutiny, keynote speaker Karen Rønde, Chief Executive of DPCMO, will share how she’s challenged big tech dominance and secured landmark licensing deals for content use. Representing 99% of the Danish news industry, DPCMO has led high-profile actions, including legal threats against OpenAI and a copyright infringement report against Apple, to protect creators’ rights.

A policy panel will explore the UK creative industry’s response to proposed copyright changes for AI. Featuring experts from the News Media Association, Pan Macmillan, UKAI, and PLS, the discussion will cover the ‘Make it Fair’ campaign, recent developments in Parliament, and what lies ahead for rights holders and tech regulation.

PLS CEO Tom West commented: “AI and its relationship with copyright and publishing is undoubtedly one of the hot topics within the industry. I’m delighted that we’ve secured leading voices such as Karen Rønde, who is working at the forefront of these issues on behalf of the creative industries, to speak at this year’s Conference. I invite anyone working in rights and licensing, or with an interest in copyright to join us for what promises to be an insightful and energising day.”

The PLS Conference is free to attend, and registration is now open online. The full programme with details of speakers and timings can also be found here.

Email Esmé Lee at comms@pls.org.uk for further information.