Orphan Works 2008
Commentary by the Stock Artists Alliance
May 1, 2008
Orphan Works is back. Last month, the U.S. Congress held Hearings, making clear that the wheels were again in motion. Last week, it became official when new versions of the Orphan Works Act of 2008 were introduced by both the House and Senate.
SAA has published this document to provide an information resource for artists and other members of the visual arts community who will be affected by this legislation, sharing our perspective as the only association dedicated to the interests of professional photographers involved in stock image licensing.
We also seek to provide constructive input to the Congressional committees who are developing this legislation. We believe that there is an opportunity to build on the new ideas put forth by its drafters, in a way that balances the needs of the users whom they are trying to serve with the interests of the copyright holders whom they must continue to protect.
Otherwise, we again risk passage of legislation that will threaten copyright protections and the livelihoods of independent creators.
Read our Commentary
Following are summaries and links to each section:
A Brief History of Orphan Works
It started in January 2006 when the U.S. Copyright Office presented their Report to Congress. ...moreWhy Visual Works are Vulnerable to being Orphaned
Orphan Works legislation comes at a time when there is already daunting pressure on artists, as copyright holders, to protect their intellectual property due to the digitization and online distribution of their images. ...moreMoving Toward an Orphan Works Bill that Better Protects our Copyrights
Several new elements seek to minimize the potential abuse of Orphan Works exemptions but they fall short of addressing the issues this legislation creates. ...moreSAA Recommendations to Congress
Resources & Links
SAA urges Congress to consider these specific recommendations. ...more
Other resources help to further explain the issues and offer a range of perspectives. ...more
