Stop! In the name of the law: Music copycat bill passes in House.

January 27, 2006

BY TRACY SWARTZ Chicago Sun-Times Springfield Bureau

SPRINGFIELD -- Singer Mary Wilson of the legendary group the Supremes is one step closer to stopping performers from impersonating her and other renowned musicians.

The state House unanimously passed legislation Thursday that would make it illegal for musical acts to use another group's image, songs or name. These knock-off bands also would not be allowed to perform in Illinois.

"This will definitely get their attention," Wilson told the Sun-Times by phone.

Wilson said she has spent millions of dollars trying to prevent copycat groups from passing themselves off as the Motown trio that rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s with hits such as "Stop! In the Name of Love" and "Come See About Me."

If the bill becomes law, impostor groups would have to turn over their profits and face fines up to $50,000.

Exempt from the proposed law are advertised tribute bands and acts that have at least one member of the original recording group who is legally entitled to the name.

The bill will now make its way to the Senate stage. State Rep. Karen Yarbrough (D-Maywood), sponsor of the House legislation, said she expects the bill will receive bipartisan support in the Senate.

Wilson hopes the legislation eventually becomes federal law. Similar bills are being considered in Pennsylvania, South Carolina and North Dakota.

Said Wilson: "I don't think this one state is going to stop them. We've got to reach all the states."

tswartz@suntimes.com