HB499 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Johnny Mack Morrow

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Property; Intellectual property; Copyright; Sound recordings

Summary

HB 499 would extend Alabama copyright protections to sound recordings made or broadcast before February 15, 1972 and let their owners sue for damages in Alabama courts.

What This Bill Does

The bill grants Alabama rights equivalent to federal copyright rights to pre-1972 sound recordings. Owners could file damages claims and seek relief in Alabama courts if those rights are violated. It does not erase existing common-law rights, and the act has a repeal date of February 15, 2067 and becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Owners and holders of sound recordings created or broadcast before February 15, 1972, who would gain copyright protections in Alabama and can sue for damages.
• Broadcasters, distributors, and others who handle or transmit pre-1972 sound recordings, who would need to respect these protections and could face damages if violated.

Key Provisions

• Section 1(a): Grants to the owner of pre-1972 sound recordings all legal or equitable rights equivalent to exclusive rights under 17 U.S.C. §106.
• Section 1(b): Allows a person whose rights are violated to file a damages claim and seek relief in an Alabama court.
• Section 1(c): Clarifies the act does not annul or limit existing common-law rights.
• Section 1(d): Provides that the act will be repealed on February 15, 2067.
• Section 2: Establishes the effective date as the first day of the third month after enactment.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Property, Real and Personal