H.R. 6531 would amend chapter 13 of title 17, United States Code (relating to the vessel hull design protection), to clarify the definitions of a hull and a deck.

== Detailed Summary ==

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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 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 &quot;useful article&quot; and &quot;hull.&quot; Defines &quot;deck&quot; 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.
</summary>

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== Status of the Legislation ==

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Latest Major Action: 9/30/2008: Passed/agreed10/7/2008: Presented to in Senate. Status: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.President.
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== Points in Favor ==

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== Points Against ==

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