PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Became Public Law No: 110-434.
Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Oct 16, 2008
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
Vessel Hull Design Protection Amendments of 2008 - Amends federal copyright law to specify that the design of a vessel's hull, deck, or combination of a hull and deck, including a plug or mold are protected (currently, only the design of the vessel hull is protected, including a plug or mold).
Requires that Department of Defense (DOD) rights in a registered design, including the right to build to such a design, be determined solely by provisions of federal Armed Forces law relating to rights in technical data or by the instrument under which the design was developed for the U.S. government.
Redefines "useful article" and "hull." Defines "deck" as the horizontal surface of the vessel that covers the hull, including exterior cabin and cockpit surfaces, and exclusive of masts, sails, yards, rigging, hardware, fixtures, and other attachments.
People & committees
Rep. Berman, Howard L. [D-CA-28] · D–CA
Legislative record
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Became Public Law No: 110-434.
Became Public Law No: 110-434.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Cleared for White House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S10186)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S10186)
Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 931.
Received in the Senate.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H6740)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H6740)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6531.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H6740-6741)
Mr. Scott (VA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Dec 5, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.6531 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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