Copyrights for Golf Courses

Golf course designs have not been explicitly protected under U.S. copyright law in the past, leaving architects with limited legal recourse against unauthorized reproductions. However, the proposed Bolstering Intellectual Rights against Digital Infringement Enhancement (BIRDIE) Act seeks to amend the U.S. Copyright Act to include golf course designs within the definition of "architectural works." If enacted, this legislation would grant designers exclusive rights over their course layouts, including elements such as landscaping, paths, greens, tees, bunkers, and lakes. This move aims to align the rights of golf course architects with those of traditional building architects, providing them with tools to protect their creative works from unauthorized use or replication. CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE