California state lawmakers have exempted bookstores from a requirement that "sellers of items that carry their creator's autograph include a certificate guaranteeing that the signature is authentic," the San Francisco Chronicle reported. AB228 passed both houses without a dissenting vote and has been signed by Governor Jerry Brown. The law takes effect immediately.
By way of background: A law passed in 1992 required dealers in autographed sports memorabilia to authenticate the signatures or face financial penalties. With backing from consumer advocates, film studios and police chiefs, who said there was widespread evidence of forged signatures in the memorabilia market, legislators expanded the requirement, as of this year, to all sellers except pawnbrokers and online merchants.
By way of background: A law passed in 1992 required dealers in autographed sports memorabilia to authenticate the signatures or face financial penalties. With backing from consumer advocates, film studios and police chiefs, who said there was widespread evidence of forged signatures in the memorabilia market, legislators expanded the requirement, as of this year, to all sellers except pawnbrokers and online merchants.