ALAI-USA is the U.S. branch of ALAI. ALAI-USA was started in the 1980’s by the late Professor Melville B. Nimmer, and was later expanded by the late Professor John M. Kernochan. The membership of ALAI-USA, like that of ALAI, has included eminent copyright professors, attorneys, authors (including, in the broad sense, composers, writers, fine artists, playwrights, screenwriters, photographers and others), authors’ rights organizations, and a number of persons, lay or professional, who subscribe to the organization’s aims and aid in its efforts to promote the effective protection of authors.
ALAI-USA is managed by a nine-person Executive Committee whose members serve serve staggered terms. The Executive Committee meets and confers as needed to oversee the organization’s business. Members of the Executive Committee serve as ALAI-USA’s officers, comprising a President, Vice-President and Secretary-Treasurer. An Annual Meeting of the membership is generally held in November or December in New York City. The current president of ALAI-USA is Jane Ginsburg, Morton L. Janklow Professor of Literary and Artistic Property Law at Columbia Law School.
ALAI-USA, through its officers, Executive Committee and members, monitors national and international problems as well as any proposed measures that have significant implications for authors’ rights. Relevant developments are regularly reported to the membership. ALAI-USA develops analyses and reports on pending or proposed legislation, litigation, research and other activity in the authors’ rights field in the United States, in conjunction with ALAI’s annual meetings.
ALAI-USA members are often invited to participate as rapporteurs, moderators OR PANELISTS in ALAI’s annual gatherings or as representatives at national and international conferences, workshops or hearings.