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Christopher Bavitz

Clinical Professor of Law, Harvard Law School | Managing Director, Cyberlaw Clinic | Director, Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society

Christopher T. Bavitz is the WilmerHale Clinical Professor of Law and Vice Dean for Experiential and Clinical Education at Harvard Law School. He is also Managing Director of HLS’s Cyberlaw Clinic, based at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society. And, he is a Faculty Co-Director of the Berkman Klein Center. Chris has taught courses including the Counseling and Legal Strategy in the Digital Age and Music & Digital Media seminars, and he concentrates his practice activities on intellectual property and media law (particularly in the areas of music, entertainment, and technology).

Chris oversees many of the Cyberlaw Clinic’s projects relating to copyright, speech, advising of startups, and the use of technology to support access to justice, and he serves as the HLS Dean’s Designate to Harvard’s Innovation Lab. Chris's research and related work at the Berkman Klein Center addresses intermediary liability and online content takedown regimes as well as regulatory, ethical, and governance issues associated with technologies that incorporate algorithms, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.

Prior to joining the Clinic in 2008, Chris served as Senior Director of Legal Affairs for EMI Music North America. From 1998-2002, Chris was a litigation associate at Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal and RubinBaum LLP / Rubin Baum Levin Constant & Friedman, where he focused on copyright and trademark matters. Chris received his B.A., cum laude, and Certificate in Peace and Justice Studies from Tufts University in 1995 and his J.D. from University of Michigan Law School in 1998.


Projects & Tools

Lumen

Lumen collects and studies online content removal requests, providing transparency and supporting research and analysis of the Web's notice and takedown ecosystem, in terms of who…

Responsible Generative AI: Accountable Technical Oversight

Generative AI is at a tipping point of adoption and impact, much like that of machine learning and AI years ago. But this time the stakes, regulatory environment, potential social…

Algorithms and Justice

The use of algorithms in the judiciary has already raised significant questions about bias and fairness, and looking ahead the moral questions become even more challenging.

Youth and Media

Youth and Media (YaM) encompasses an array of research, advocacy, and development initiatives around youth (age 12-18) and digital technology.

Past

AGTech Forum

The AGTech Forum provides opportunities for collaborative engagement among state attorneys general, technology companies, academics, and other stakeholders about innovation,…

Past

AI: Transparency and Explainability

There are many ways to hold AI systems accountable. We focus on issues related to obtaining human-intelligible and human-actionable information.

Past

Assembly: Disinformation

The Assembly: Disinformation Program brings together participants from academia, industry, government, and civil society from across disciplines to explore and make progress on…

Co-Designing Generative Futures

As generative AI technologies have advanced, so too has their potential to transform how people worldwide create, think, work, learn, problem solve, and govern. Given these far…

Digital Finance Initiative

A multitude of technical, legal, policy, and economic issues around digital currencies and blockchain technologies have emerged in recent years.

Initiative for a Representative First Amendment

IfRFA is a shared project between the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society and the Cyberlaw Clinic.

Past

Policy Practice

The Policy Practice is a public interest-oriented program that helps governmental, nonprofit, and private sector organizations implement best practices and turn principles into…

Past

Privacy Initiatives

The Berkman Klein Center has long been home to a number of cross-disciplinary initiatives that investigate privacy and privacy-relevant questions in the digitally networked…

Research Sprint on Takedowns and Transparency with Lumen

Sprint participants worked with members of the Lumen Database team and Berkman Klein Center staff, as well as outside experts to tackle pressing issues concerning online…

Past

Rethink Music

The Berkman Center works in collaboration with Berklee College of Music on a variety of initiatives under the Rethink Music banner, examining the law, policy, and business…

Student Privacy Initiative

The Student Privacy Initiative-- part of the Center's growing suite of Privacy Initiatives-- aims to surface, identify, and evaluate central privacy issues and opportunities that…

Past

Web Integrity Project

The Web Integrity Project (WIP) monitors changes to government websites


Publications

Publication
Dec 10, 2018

Assessing the Assessments

Lessons From Early State Experiences In The Procurement And Implementation of Risk Assessment Tools

This report provides context for state and local officials considering the development, procurement, implementation, and use of Risk Assessment (RA) tools.

Publication
Sep 25, 2018

Artificial Intelligence & Human Rights

Opportunities & Risks

en Français Artificial intelligence (“AI”) is changing the world before our eyes. The promise of AI to improve our lives is enormous. AI-based systems are already outperforming…

Publication
May 8, 2018

AGTech Forum Briefing Book: State Attorneys General and Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is already starting to change our lives. Over the coming decades, these new technologies will shape many of our daily interactions and drive dramatic…

Publication
Feb 9, 2018

Follow-up Letter to the Members of the Massachusetts Legislature Regarding the Adoption of Actuarial Risk Assessment Tools in the Criminal Justice System

The following open letter — signed by Harvard and MIT-based faculty, staff, and researchers — is directed to the Massachusetts Legislature to inform its consideration of risk…

Publication
Nov 9, 2017

An Open Letter to the Members of the Massachusetts Legislature Regarding the Adoption of Actuarial Risk Assessment Tools in the Criminal Justice System

This open letter — signed by Harvard and MIT-based faculty, staff, and researchers— is directed to the Massachusetts Legislature to inform its consideration of risk assessment…

Publication
Oct 5, 2017

Zero Rating & Internet Adoption

Workshop Paper & Research Agenda

In March of 2016, a diverse group of stakeholders gathered to discuss the use of zero rating as a means to improve Internet adoption in the developing world and how and when it…

Publication
Mar 22, 2017

Organization & Structure of Open Source Software Development Initiatives

Challenges & Opportunities Concerning Corporate Formation, Nonprofit Status, & Governance for Open Source Projects

A collection of case studies and organizational models for those who manage and participate in open source development initiatives.

Nov 13, 2013

Privacy and Children's Data

An Overview of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

This overview of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) was produced by Harvard Law School's Cyberlaw…


News

News
Nov 14, 2022

BKC Comment to the FTC on Transparency and Commercial Surveillance

On behalf of BKC and its projects and associates, the Cyberlaw Clinic submitted a comment regarding the FTC's ANPR related to commercial surveillance and data privacy.

Harvard Law Today
Jun 16, 2021

Christopher Bavitz appointed Harvard Law School’s vice dean for experiential and clinical education

As vice dean, Bavitz will foster and support the work of HLS’s terrific experience-based learning programs

As vice dean, Bavitz will foster and support the work of HLS’s terrific experience-based learning programs, including 36 clinics and 11 student practice organizations.

News
Feb 23, 2021

Ethics and Governance of AI and Robotics

A contribution to the SIENNA project

A contribution to the SIENNA project

Harvard Law Today
Apr 10, 2020

Cyberlaw Clinic turns 20

Founded in 1999, the first-of-its-kind clinical program based at the Berkman Klein Center celebrates two decades of perpetual adaptation

Founded in 1999, the first-of-its-kind clinical program based at the Berkman Klein Center celebrates two decades of perpetual adaptation

News
Dec 19, 2019

Lumen Comments on Copyright and Transparency for EU Meeting

Christopher Bavitz and Adam Holland joined an EU meeting to discuss the importance of data transparency in takedown regimes and key learnings from the Lumen Database. 

News
Apr 10, 2019

The Law and the Digital World

The AGTech Forum at Harvard Law gives state attorneys general a place to learn about technological changes and strategize about how the law can keep up

Insight for Attorney Generals into privacy and emerging technologies

News
Feb 25, 2019

Tech Giants, Profs Push Justices To Take Google-Oracle Case

The Oracle - Google case. Setting legal norms and a global precedent for software copyrights and infringement. 

Jul 11, 2018

Algorithms and Justice

Examining the role of the state in the development and deployment of algorithmic technologies

A retrospective from this first year of work, describing research modes and outputs and identifying takeaways.

News
Dec 1, 2017

When a Bot is the Judge

What happens when our criminal justice system uses algorithms to help judges determine bail, sentencing, and parole?

Apr 25, 2014

Christopher T. Bavitz Appointed Clinical Professor of Law at Harvard Law School

Christopher T. Bavitz has been appointed Clinical Professor of Law at Harvard Law School. Bavitz has been a Clinical Instructor and Lecturer on Law at HLS and is Managing Director…

News
Jul 1, 2013

Berkman Center for Internet & Society and Harvard Law School Announce a Reconfiguration of the Berkman Cyberlaw Clinic

The Berkman Center for Internet & Society and Harvard Law School are pleased to announce the promotion of Christopher T. Bavitz to the role of Managing Director of the Cyberlaw…

May 8, 2012

RB 201: The 42 Streams (Rethinking Music X)

Christopher Bavitz interviews Future of Music Coalition's Kristin Thomson about her recent survey project designed to answer the question, "How are today’s musicians earning money…

Nov 19, 2010

Radio Berkman 168: Rethinking Music, Part I - Creativity, Commerce, and Policy

This week on Radio Berkman: we sat down with two people who have been very involved in preparing for the Rethink Music conference — Allen Bargfrede, a digital music lawyer and…


Community

Cyberlaw Clinic Supports Public Interest Patent Law Institute w/Comment to USPTO re: Patents and Artificial Intelligence

The Cyberlaw Clinic aided the Public Interest Patent Law Institute in filing comments stressing the importance of human inventorship and urging the USPTO to remain vigilant about…

Aug 22, 2024
Harvard Law Today

With an AI assist, Bavitz urges students to look beyond the binary

Chris Bavitz delivers a "Last Lecture" to the HLS class of 2024, focusing on the promises and perils of generative AI.

Apr 22, 2024
Cyberlaw Clinic Blog

Clinic Supports Finale Doshi-Velez, Elena L. Glassman in Submitting AI Comment to NIST

Professors Finale Doshi-Velez and Elena Glassman, with assistance from the Cyberlaw Clinic, submitted an administrative comment on AI to the National Institute of Standards and…

Feb 4, 2024
Art Net

Art Collective MSCHF Signs Onto Amicus Brief Championing Satirical NFTs as a Free Speech Issue

The Cyberlaw Clinic supported a brief filed Monday on behalf of the art collective MSCHF and others to stage MetaBirkin NFTs as a part of a broad expressive tradition of…

Nov 15, 2023
Bloomberg Law

From Harvard to Berkeley, Clinics Train Next-Gen Tech Lawyers

Kendra Albert and Christopher Bavitz share how the Cyberlaw Clinic prepares students to address the biggest issues in cyberspace.

Aug 25, 2021
BKC Medium Collection

Lumen — The Year in Review

The Lumen project’s annual report highlights the technical improvements, research, outreach, and data collection from the last year.

Oct 14, 2020
Bloomberg Law

Georgia Loses Legal Code Copyright Clash at Supreme Court

In a recent decision, the Supreme Court sided with public.resource.org. Cyberlaw Clinic students worked with Kendra Albert, Christopher Bavitz, and the Harvard Library Innovation…

Apr 27, 2020
Harvard Law Today

Shedding light on fraudulent takedown notices

Berkman Klein Center’s Lumen database helps bring attention to falsified court orders

Dec 13, 2019
Harvard Law Today

Healthcare general counsels explore pressing health policy and legal issues at Harvard Law School

Christopher Bavitz joined General Counsels from some of America’s health care institutions to explore pressing health policy facing companies today.

Dec 11, 2019
Medium

Establishing a Commission in MA re: Use of AI in State Government

Testimony shared with the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight of the Massachusetts Legislature

Oct 15, 2019
Digital Freedom Fund

Promoting international collaboration among digital rights scholars, teachers, advocates, and activists

A recap of the “Connecting the Digital Rights Field with Academia” workshop

Jul 9, 2019

Courses

Cyberlaw Clinic Seminar - Spring 2024

This seminar is required for all students enrolled in the Cyberlaw Clinic. The course incorporates instruction about substantive legal issues at the heart of the Clinic’s practice…

Cyberlaw Clinic - Spring 2024

The Cyberlaw Clinic, based at Harvard’s Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society, engages Harvard Law School students in a wide range of real-world client counseling,…

Music and Digital Media - Spring 2024

This course explores a variety of legal issues relating to the creation, exploitation, and protection of music and other content. The seminar focuses on traditional legal regimes…

Cyberlaw Clinic Seminar - Fall 2023

This seminar is required for all students enrolled in the Cyberlaw Clinic. The course incorporates instruction about substantive legal issues at the heart of the Clinic’s practice…

Writing Group: Technology Law and Policy - Fall 2023 - Spring 2024

This writing group will meet on six selected Thursdays throughout the Fall and Spring term. Please note, this will be split in 4 – 5 dates in the Spring Term on Thursdays at 3:45…

Cyberlaw Clinic - Fall 2023

The Cyberlaw Clinic, based at Harvard’s Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society, engages Harvard Law School students in a wide range of real-world client counseling,…

Regulating Online Conduct: Speech, Privacy, and the Use and Sharing of Content - Fall 2023

In the course of a few short decades, the Internet has become integral to significant swaths of human experience. It has radically altered modes of interpersonal engagement,…

Cyberlaw Clinic - Spring 2023

The Cyberlaw Clinic, based at Harvard’s Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society, engages Harvard Law School students in a wide range of real-world client counseling,…

Cyberlaw Clinic Seminar - Spring 2023

This seminar is required for all students enrolled in the Cyberlaw Clinic. The course incorporates instruction about substantive legal issues at the heart of the Clinic’s practice…

Music and Digital Media - Spring 2023

This course explores a variety of legal issues relating to the creation, exploitation, and protection of music and other content. The seminar focuses on traditional legal regimes…

Cyberlaw Clinic Seminar - Fall 2022

This seminar is required for all students enrolled in the Cyberlaw Clinic. The course incorporates instruction about substantive legal issues at the heart of the Clinic's practice…

Cyberlaw Clinic - Fall 2022

The Cyberlaw Clinic, based at Harvard’s Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society, engages Harvard Law School students in a wide range of real-world client counseling,…

Music and Digital Media - Spring 2021

This course explores a variety of legal issues relating to the creation, exploitation, and protection of music and other content. The seminar focuses on traditional legal regimes…

Cyberlaw Clinic Seminar - Spring 2021

This seminar is required for all students enrolled in the Cyberlaw Clinic. The course incorporates instruction about substantive legal issues at the heart of the Clinic's practice…

Cyberlaw Clinic Seminar - Fall 2020

Professor Christopher Bavitz, Mason Kortz, Jessica Fjeld This seminar is required for all students enrolled in the Cyberlaw Clinic. The course incorporates instruction about…

Counseling and Legal Strategy in the Digital Age - Fall 2020

Professor Christopher Bavitz This course explores the complex challenges that entrepreneurs, businesses, NGOs, and other organizations face when trying to address legal issues…

Music and Digital Media - Spring 2020

Professor Christopher Bavitz This course explores a variety of legal issues relating to the creation, exploitation, and protection of music and other content. The seminar…

Cyberlaw Clinic Seminar - Fall 2019

Professor Christopher Bavitz with Jessica Fjeld  This seminar is required for all students enrolled in the Cyberlaw Clinic. The course incorporates instruction about…

Counseling and Legal Strategy in the Digital Age - Fall 2019

Professor Christopher Bavitz  This course explores the complex challenges that entrepreneurs, businesses, NGOs, and other organizations face when trying to address legal…

Cyberlaw Clinic - Fall 2019

Professor Christopher Bavitz  The Cyberlaw Clinic, based at Harvard's Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society, engages Harvard Law School students in a wide range of…

Music and Digital Media - Spring 2019

This course explores a variety of legal issues relating to the creation, exploitation, and protection of music and other content.

Cyberlaw Clinic Seminar - Spring 2019

This seminar is required for all students enrolled in the Cyberlaw Clinic.

Cyberlaw Clinic - Spring 2019

The Cyberlaw Clinic engages Harvard Law School students in a wide range of real-world client counseling, licensing and transactional, litigation, advocacy, and policy projects and…

Cyberlaw Clinic Seminar - Fall 2018

This seminar is required for all students enrolled in the Cyberlaw Clinic.

Counseling and Legal Strategy in the Digital Age - Fall 2018

This course explores the complex challenges that entrepreneurs, businesses, and other organizations face when trying to address legal issues relating to technology.

Cyberlaw Clinic - Spring 2018

This course explores the complex challenges that entrepreneurs, businesses, and other organizations face when trying to address legal issues relating to technology.

Music and Digital Media - Spring 2018

This course explores a variety of legal issues relating to the creation, exploitation, and protection of music and other content.

Cyberlaw Clinic Seminar - Spring 2018

This course incorporates instruction about substantive legal issues at the heart of the Clinic's practice, case studies and exercises designed to enhance students' practice skills…

Cyberlaw Clinic Seminar - Fall 2017

This course incorporates instruction about substantive legal issues at the heart of the Clinic's practice, case studies and exercises designed to enhance students' practice skills…

Counseling and Legal Strategy in the Digital Age - Fall 2017

This course explores the complex challenges that entrepreneurs, businesses, and other organizations face when trying to address legal issues relating to technology.

Music and Digital Media - Spring 2016

This course explores a variety of legal issues relating to the creation, exploitation, and protection of music and other content. The seminar focuses on traditional legal regimes…

Cyberlaw Clinic - Spring 2016

The Cyberlaw Clinic, based at Harvard's Berkman Center for Internet and Society, engages Harvard Law School students in a wide range of real-world client counseling, licensing and…

Cyberlaw Clinic Seminar - Spring 2016

This seminar is required for all students enrolled in the Cyberlaw Clinic. The course incorporates instruction about substantive legal issues at the heart of the Clinics practice,…

Cyberlaw Clinic - Winter 2016

The winter term Cyberlaw Clinic is a by-application offering for advanced students only (student who have taken a prior semester of the clinic). The Cyberlaw Clinic, based at…

Counseling and Legal Strategy in the Digital Age - Fall 2015

This course explores the complex challenges that entrepreneurs, businesses, and other organizations face when trying to address legal issues relating to technology. The seminars…

Cyberlaw Clinic - Fall 2015

The Cyberlaw Clinic, based at Harvards Berkman Center for Internet and Society, engages Harvard Law School students in a wide range of real-world client counseling, licensing and…

Cyberlaw Clinic Seminar - Fall 2015

This seminar is required for all students enrolled in the Cyberlaw Clinic. The course incorporates instruction about substantive legal issues at the heart of the Clinics practice,…

Cyberlaw Clinic – Spring 2015

The Cyberlaw Clinic, based at the Berkman Center for Internet & Society, engages Harvard Law School students in a wide range of real-world client counseling, licensing and…

Music and Digital Media – Spring 2015

This course explores a variety of legal issues relating to the creation, exploitation, and protection of music and other content.

Cyberlaw Clinic – Winter 2015

The Cyberlaw Clinic, based at the Berkman Center for Internet & Society, engages Harvard Law School students in a wide range of real-world client counseling, licensing and…

Counseling and Legal Strategy in the Digital Age – Fall 2014

This course explores the complex challenges that entrepreneurs, businesses, and other organizations face when trying to address legal issues relating to technology.

Cyberlaw Clinic – Fall 2014

The Cyberlaw Clinic, based at the Berkman Center for Internet & Society, engages Harvard Law School students in a wide range of real-world client counseling, licensing and…

Music and Digital Media - Spring 2014

This course explores a variety of legal issues relating to the creation, exploitation, and protection of music and other content. The seminar focuses on traditional legal regimes…

Cyberlaw Clinic - Spring 2014

The Cyberlaw Clinic, based at the Berkman Center for Internet & Society, engages Harvard Law School students in a wide range of real-world client counseling, licensing and…

Cyberlaw Clinic - Winter 2014

The Cyberlaw Clinic, based at the Berkman Center for Internet & Society, engages Harvard Law School students in a wide range of real-world client counseling, licensing and…

Course

Cyberlaw Clinic - Fall 2013

The Cyberlaw Clinic, based at the Berkman Center for Internet & Society, engages Harvard Law School students in a wide range of real-world client counseling, licensing and…

Practical Lawyering in Cyberspace - Fall 2013

This course will explore the complex challenges of effectively representing clients in a wide variety of intellectual property, technology and internet-related disputes.

Course

Music and Digital Media: Seminar - Spring 2013

This course explores a variety of legal issues relating to the creation, exploitation, and protection of music and other content. The seminar focuses on traditional legal regimes…

Course

Cyberlaw Clinic - Spring 2013

The Cyberlaw Clinic, based at the Berkman Center for Internet & Society, engages Harvard Law School students in a wide range of real-world licensing, client counseling, advocacy,…

Course

Cyberlaw Clinic - Winter 2013

The Cyberlaw Clinic, based at the Berkman Center for Internet & Society, engages Harvard Law School students in a wide range of real-world licensing, client counseling, advocacy,…

Course

Cyberlaw Clinic - Fall 2012

The Cyberlaw Clinic, based at the Berkman Center for Internet & Society, engages Harvard Law School students in a wide range of real-world licensing, client counseling, advocacy,…

Practical Lawyering in Cyberspace - Fall 2012

This course will explore the complex challenges of effectively representing clients in a wide variety of intellectual property, technology and internet-related disputes.

Music and Digital Media: Seminar - Spring 2012

This course explores a variety of legal issues relating to the creation, exploitation, and protection of music and other content.

Practical Lawyering in Cyberspace: Seminar - Fall 2011

This course will explore the complex challenges of effectively representing clients in a wide variety of intellectual property, technology and internet-related disputes.

Music and Digital Media: Seminar - Spring 2011

This course explores a variety of legal issues relating to the creation, exploitation, and protection of music and other content.

Practical Lawyering in Cyberspace: Seminar - Fall 2010

This course will explore the complex challenges of effectively representing clients in a wide variety of IP, technology and internet-related disputes. This seminar is…


Events

Oct 17, 2023 @ 12:00 PM

Artificial Intelligence and the Law

Lightning Talks with Experts

Join us for a series of lightning talks to kick off of the Initiative on Artificial Intelligence and the Law...

Event
Apr 21, 2022 @ 11:00 AM

Demystifying Intellectual Property

IP for an Innovative and Creative Economy with Daren Tang, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization

Daren Tang, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization - WIPO, will participate in a discussion of intellectual property (IP) for an innovative and creative…

Mar 25, 2020 @ 1:30 PM

[Canceled] Cyberlaw Clinic @ 20

Symposium on Lawyering, Tech, and the Public Interest

This event has been canceled but may be rescheduled.

Event
Nov 18, 2019 @ 12:00 PM

Napster@20: Reflections on the Internet’s Most Controversial Music File Sharing Service

Part of the Cyberlaw Clinic 20th Anniversary Event Series

VIDEO & PODCAST: Examining the direct and indirect legacy of Napster over the past two decades

Nov 5, 2019 @ 12:00 PM

Regulating Social Media

HLS Journal of Legislation’s 2019 Symposium

A three-day symposium at Harvard Law School

Event
Nov 6, 2018 @ 12:00 PM

The State of Government Technology

Assessing Government Development, Deployment, and Use of Tech Tools

VIDEO & PODCAST: A close look at the inner workings of government, with a particular focus on the ways in which federal, state, and local government institutions leverage…

Event
Jan 30, 2018 @ 12:00 PM

The “Monkey Selfie” Case: Can Non-Humans Hold Copyrights?

featuring a panel of experts on copyright, cyber law, and intermediary liability issues

Can non-human animals own copyrights? Can artificial intelligence machines? Join the Berkman Klein Center, the Harvard Law School Animal Law & Policy Program, and the HLS Student…

Event
Oct 10, 2017 @ 12:00 PM

HUBweek 2017: Programming the Future of AI

Ethics, Governance, and Justice

How do we prepare court systems, judges, lawyers, and defendants to interact with autonomous systems? What are the potential societal costs to human autonomy, dignity, and due…

Nov 17, 2016 @ 1:00 PM

Transparency and Freedom of Information in the Digital Age

This symposium seeks to examine the present state of play with respect to transparency and freedom of information.

Sep 19, 2014 @ 12:00 PM

Kurt Opsahl of the Electronic Frontier Foundation: A Conversation About National Security Letters

Hosted and Moderated by Christopher Bavitz of the Cyberlaw Clinic.

Join us for a lunch and discussion with Kurt Opsahl, Deputy General Counsel of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, which will address the issue of National Security Letters and…