Ballet Icon Misty Copeland Discusses NIL, AI, and Personal Branding With Brooklyn Law School Students
Adjunct Professor Mitchell Littman welcomed a special guest to his Transactional Skills for Startups course on Nov. 10, when acclaimed American ballet dancer, author, and noted philanthropist Misty Copeland joined the class via Zoom for a discussion about name, image, and likeness (NIL), personal branding, and the growing impact of artificial intelligence.
After 25 years with American Ballet Theatre, Copeland stepped away from the stage in 2025. In 2015, she made history as the first black woman to become a principal dancer in the company's 75-year history. She has since built a multifaceted career as the author of 11 books, founder of Life in Motion Productions, and founder of the Misty Copeland Foundation, which creates opportunities for children in dance.
The conversation turned to how she evaluates commercial opportunities involving her name, image, and likeness. Copeland explained that she considers whether a partnership reflects who she is, whether she believes in the organization behind it, and whether it aligns with the values she has spent years advancing, particularly representation and access. She also trusts her creative instincts, rather than pursuing opportunities simply because they are popular. "I feel so fortunate that I've built this career that I have to be able to do things that bring joy to my life," she told the class.
The discussion also explored how AI complicates the protection of personal identity. Copeland recounted discovering an unauthorized AI-generated image of herself that an organization had already posted online. She explained that she has always required approval over movement-related imagery in commercial partnerships, including the precise positioning and expression of her body. She wants the same control over AI-generated representations, emphasizing that permission to create a digital version of someone should not mean permission to use it in any way.
Littman connected Copeland's perspective to the course's focus on intellectual property issues impacting startup companies, explaining that a person's NIL encompasses more than appearance: It can include voice, movement, style, and the goodwill associated with a personal reputation. The discussion offered students a timely look at why licensing agreements must establish clear boundaries and approval rights, particularly as emerging technologies make it easier than ever to replicate someone's identity.