Kirk Hartung wrote an article titled The BIRDIE Act: Copyrights for Golf Courses (March 21, 2024).
« The BIRDIE Act is a non-partisan bill introduced by Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Jimmy Panetta (D-Ca) on February 5, 2024 to provide copyright protection for architectural designs of golf courses. The bill proposes to amend the copyright laws by amending the definition of “architectural works” to include golf course designs. »
« The copyright laws underwent a major revision on October 19, 1976, which listed the categories for copyright protection as (1) literary works; (2) musical works, including accompanying words; (3) dramatic works, including accompanying music; (4) pantomimes and choreographic works; (5) pictorial, graphic and sculptural works; (6) motion pictures and other audiovisual works; and (7) sound recordings. The 1976 Act gives the author the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, display, and prepare derivative works based on their creation, and extended the copyright term to the life of the author plus 70 years. In 1990, architectural works were added as an 8th category, but was limited to building designs. »
« The BIRDIE Act seeks to afford golf course architects the same rights as other creative professions by prohibiting unauthorized copying of their aesthetic and intricate details. »
« The proposed Act is retroactive to cover golf courses designed after December 1, 1990. Virtual golf courses commonly found in simulators and video games will now risk infringement and damages if they copy real golf courses without permission. »
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