[open-heritage] US Copyright Office request for comments on Orphan Works and Mass Digitization

[Timothy Vollmer]

FYI this is happening here in the US. The comment period ends on 4 January.

https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/10/22/2012-25932/orphan-works
-and-mass-digitization

The U.S. Copyright Office is reviewing the problem of orphan works under
U.S. copyright law in continuation of its previouswork on the subject and
in order to advise Congress as to possible next steps for the United
States. The Office has long shared the concern with many in the copyright
community that the uncertainty surrounding the ownership status of orphan
works does not serve the objectives of the copyright system. For good faith
users, orphan works are a frustration, a liability risk, and a major cause
of gridlock in the digital marketplace. The issue is not contained to the
United States. Indeed, in recent months, the European Commission has
adopted measures that would begin to resolve the issue in certain contexts
and a number of foreign governments are reviewing or proposing solutions.
The Copyright Office seeks comments regarding the current state of play for
orphan works. It is interested in what has changed in the legal and
business environments during the past few years that might be relevant to a
resolution of the problem and what additional legislative, regulatory, or
voluntary solutions deserve deliberation. This is a general inquiry and the
Office will likely publish additional notices on this topic.
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