Rhode Island General Laws Title 5. Businesses and Professions § 5-62-5. Limitations of applicability

(a) Alteration, defacement, mutilation, or modification of a work of fine art resulting from the passage of time or the inherent nature of the materials will not by itself create a violation of § 5-62-3 or a right to disclaim authorship under § 5-62-4(a); provided, that the alteration, defacement, mutilation, or modification was not the result of gross negligence in maintaining or protecting the work of fine art.

(b) In the case of a reproduction, a change that is an ordinary result of the medium of reproduction does not by itself create a violation of § 5-62-3 or a right to disclaim authorship under § 5-62-4(a).

(c) Conservation does not constitute an alteration, defacement, mutilation, or modification within the meaning of this chapter unless the conservation work is shown to be negligent.

(d) This chapter does not apply to work prepared under contract for advertising or trade use unless the contract provides.

(e) The provisions of this chapter apply only to works of fine art knowingly displayed in a place accessible to the public, published, or reproduced in this state.