Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.

How Effective Has VARA Been?

By Miriam DeChant
October 02, 2015

The Visual Artists Rights Act of 1990 (VARA) was enacted as an amendment to copyright law for the United States to really get on board with the International Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works (first accepted by signatories in 1886 but not ratified by the United States until 1988). Finally, hardworking American authors of original works of fine art would be granted a few “moral rights.” That was the promise. But where are we, 25 years in? What artists are granted these rights, and what stands in the way of exercising them?

VARA, codified at 17 U.S.C. '106A, grants the author a series of (waivable) rights: To be given attribution; to disclaim authorship in the event of mutilation; to prevent mutilation; and to prevent destruction of works of recognized stature. An artist will retain copyright and VARA rights even when the physical work has been sold, in most cases.

This premium content is locked for Entertainment Law & Finance subscribers only

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts

For enterprise-wide or corporate acess, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 877-256-2473

Read These Next
New York's Latest Cybersecurity Commitment Image

On Aug. 9, 2023, Gov. Kathy Hochul introduced New York's inaugural comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. In sum, the plan aims to update government networks, bolster county-level digital defenses, and regulate critical infrastructure.

Law Firms are Reducing Redundant Real Estate by Bringing Support Services Back to the Office Image

A trend analysis of the benefits and challenges of bringing back administrative, word processing and billing services to law offices.

Bit Parts Image

Summary Judgment Denied Defendant in Declaratory Action by Producer of To Kill a Mockingbird Broadway Play Seeking Amateur Theatrical Rights

The Bankruptcy Hotline Image

Recent cases of importance to your practice.

How AI Has Affected PR Image

When we consider how the use of AI affects legal PR and communications, we have to look at it as an industrywide global phenomenon. A recent online conference provided an overview of the latest AI trends in public relations, and specifically, the impact of AI on communications. Here are some of the key points and takeaways from several of the speakers, who provided current best practices, tips, concerns and case studies.