The Dramatists Legal Defense Fund

formed the Dramatists Legal Defense Fund in 2009 to advocate for free expression in the dramatic arts as guaranteed in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, and to encourage the vitality of a robust public domain, in support of the purpose of the Constitution’s “Copyright Clause.” The DLDF conducts charitable and educational activities that advance the progress of arts for the en

joyment and benefit of the public; promote the right to freedom of speech as guaranteed in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, particularly with respect to stage productions; and educate the public and the legal community about the protections afforded under the Copyright Act of 1976, the interactions between such protections and the First Amendment protection of free speech, the artistic and lawful importance of a robust public domain, and the public benefits that arise from such protections. The DLDF’s mission also includes educating about the importance to our society of an ever-expanding public domain and a proper administration of the copyright laws that serve to ensure it. We are here to inform theater professionals and students about the fair practices that have evolved in the industry in order to protect your dramatic works.