BILL REQ. #:  S-0116.1 

Read first time 01/19/09.   Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection.

     AN ACT Relating to truth in music advertising; adding a new section to chapter 19.25 RCW; creating a new section; and prescribing penalties.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 19.25 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
     (a) "Performing group" means a vocal or instrumental group seeking to use the name of another group that has previously released a commercial sound recording under that name.
     (b) "Recording group" means a vocal or instrumental group, at least one of whose members has previously released a commercial sound recording under that group's name and in which the member or members have a legal right by virtue of use or operation under the group name without having abandoned the name or affiliation with the group.
     (c) "Sound recording" means a work that results from the fixation on a material object of a series of musical, spoken, or other sounds regardless of the nature of the material object, such as a disk, tape, or other phonorecord, in which the sounds are embodied.
     (2) A person shall not advertise or conduct a live musical performance or production through the use of a false, deceptive, or misleading affiliation, connection, or association between a performing group and a recording group unless any of the following apply:
     (a) The performing group is the authorized registrant and owner of a federal service mark for the group registered in the United States patent and trademark office;
     (b) At least one member of the performing group was previously a member of the recording group and has a legal right by virtue of use or operation under the group name without having abandoned the name or affiliation of the group;
     (c) The live musical performance or production is identified in all advertising and promotion as a salute or tribute;
     (d) The advertising does not relate to a live musical performance or production taking place in this state; or
     (e) The performance or production is expressly authorized by the recording group.
     (3)(a) A person who violates this section is subject to a civil penalty not less than five thousand dollars or more than fifteen thousand dollars per violation. An action for a civil penalty may be brought by the attorney general or a county or city prosecutor and is enforceable as a civil judgment.
     (b) A person who violates this section is subject to the equitable remedies described in chapter 19.86 RCW.
     (c) Each performance or production declared unlawful under subsection (2) of this section constitutes a separate violation.
     (d) This section does not preclude prosecution of a violation of this section under any other provision of law.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   This act may be known and cited as the truth in music advertising act.