The Drifters - file

ALBANY, New York (AP):

Music acts that impersonate the real performers can face fines of up to US$15,000 under a new law in New York.

The 'Truth in Music Advertising Law' prohibits copycat performances that attempt to cash in through false and misleading representations like names, billings and promotions similar to the original artistes.

"Music artistes work for years to build names for themselves in the entertainment industry," Governor Eliot Spitzer said yesterday. "We should not allow others to impersonate their work and profit from that deception."

Nevada enacted a similar measure in May, with similar laws passed or pending in a dozen other states.

The law was inspired when well-known recording artistes like the Platters, the Coasters and the Drifters suffered financial losses when their acts and routines were copied without permission, according to the governor's office.

The law requires performing groups to have at least one member of the recording group they claim a connection to and a legal right to use the name. If not, they must label the production a 'tribute' or'salute,' own the recording group's service mark or have its authorisation.