August 15, 2016
Contact: Kyle Roerink
Phone: 202-657-3219

Las Vegas – Tomorrow Rep. Dina Titus of Nevada’s First Congressional District will host a press conference with Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) and world-renown magician David Copperfield to promote H.Res 642, a measure that would distinguish magic as an art form and help protect the craft under the law.   
 
Las Vegas is home to superstars like David Copperfield and other magicians who have made Southern Nevada a premier entertainment destination. The legislation would help ensure performers can protect their ideas by providing an avenue for magicians to have intellectual property protections relating to magic tricks. Artists who work in theater, jazz, ballet, and other fields currently have those protections. 
 
“Take a walk down the Las Vegas Strip and you will see the impact of magicians and their craft on our economy.” Rep. Titus said. “Every year artists like David Copperfield mesmerize millions of visitors who come to Las Vegas. We must do everything we can to protect their craft and ensure that those who create magic have the commensurate protections as other artists in our country.”   

"Performers and creators in the magic arts deserve the same prominence and recognition that performers in the theater, ballet, jazz, and countless other genres have had for decades,” Copperfield said. "Magic is an art that enchants and inspires millions of people every year.  This important Congressional resolution recognizes the impact that magic and magicians have had throughout the United States for over a century and their role in inspiring our nation. I want to thank Rep. Titus for not backing away from this issue by highlighting the achievements and the intellectual property rights of magicians across the country.” 

“A lot of people might not know this, but when I was younger, I helped pay for college working as a magician,” Rep. Pocan said. “I also have a web series where I use magic to explain the workings of Congress. As an original cosponsor of the magic resolution, I¹m proud to join Congresswoman Titus and David Copperfield today so we can help maintain magic as an art form for future generations.”