US Copyright Office Seeks Comments on Orphan Works

The Copyright Office is reviewing the problem of orphan works under U.S. copyright law in continuation of its previous work on the subject and to advise Congress on possible next steps for the United States. The Office seeks comments regarding the current state of play for orphan works. The Office 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.

Comments are due by 5:00 pm EST on January 4, 2013, and reply comments are due by 5:00 pm EST on February 4, 2013.

More information may be found at www.copyright.gov/orphan.

Tags: comments, copyright office, orphan works, thoughts