Number: RL33392
Title: "Orphan Works" in Copyright Law
Authors: Brian T. Yeh, American Law Division 
Abstract: Legislation addressing the orphan works issue was reintroduced in the 110th Congress: the Orphan Works Act of 2008 (H.R. 5889) and the Shawn Bentley Orphan Works Act of 2008 (S. 2913). The two bills have several provisions that resemble the Orphan Works Act of 2006, although there are substantial differences from that earlier legislation and even between themselves, including the House bill's requirement of a "Notice of Use" database, which does not appear in the Senate bill. These additional or revised provisions were added in part to address concerns raised by photographers, illustrators, and other visual artists, as well as textile and home furnishing manufacturers. S. 2913 was passed by the Senate on September 26, 2008.
Pages: 18
Date: October 10, 2008