Copyright Office Seeks Advice on "Orphan Works"

The Copyright Office is examining issues raised by “orphan works,” i.e., copyrighted works whose owners are difficult or even impossible to locate. Concerns have been raised that the uncertainty surrounding ownership of such works might needlessly discourage subsequent creators and users from incorporating such works in new creative efforts, or from making such works available to the public.
The Office has solicited written comments from all interested parties. The Office has asked specifically whether there are compelling concerns raised by orphan works that merit a legislative, regulatory or other solution, and if so, what type of solution could effectively address these concerns without conflicting with the legitimate interests of authors and right holders.
The deadline for initial comments and reply comments has passed. Initial comments have been posted here. Reply comments received have been posted here. Please report any errors or broken links to orphanworks@loc.gov.
Read the Federal Register Notice summarizing issues raised by orphan works.