§ 59.1-255. Short title

This chapter may be known and cited as the “Virginia Motion Picture Fair Competition Act.” 1978, c. 764.

§ 59.1-256. Purpose of chapter

The purpose of this chapter is to establish fair and open procedures for the bidding and negotiation for the right to exhibit motion pictures within the Commonwealth in order to prevent unfair and deceptive acts or practices and unreasonable restraints of trade in the business of motion picture distribution within the Commonwealth, to promote fair […]

§ 59.1-257. Definitions

As used in this chapter: 1. The term “person” means and includes one or more individuals, partnerships, associations, societies, trusts, organizations, or corporations; 2. The term “theater” means any establishment in which motion pictures are exhibited to the public regularly for a charge; 3. The term “distributor” means any person engaged in the business of […]

§ 59.1-258. “Blind bidding” prohibited

A. Blind bidding is hereby prohibited within the Commonwealth. No bids shall be returnable, no negotiations for the exhibition or licensing of a motion picture shall take place, and no license agreement or any of its terms shall be agreed to, for the exhibition of any motion picture within the Commonwealth before the motion picture […]

§ 59.1-259. Bidding procedures

If bids are solicited from exhibitors for the licensing of a motion picture within the Commonwealth, then: 1. The invitation to bid shall specify (i) whether the run for which the bid is being solicited is a first, second or subsequent run; (ii) whether the run is an exclusive or nonexclusive run; (iii) the geographic […]

§ 59.1-260. Civil enforcement; injunction

Any person who suffers loss or pecuniary damage resulting from a violation of the provisions of this chapter shall be entitled to bring an individual action to recover damages and reasonable attorney’s fees. The provisions of this chapter may be enforced by injunction or any other available equitable or legal remedy. 1978, c. 764.

§ 59.1-261. Repealed

Repealed by Acts 2015, c. 709, cl. 2.