Orphan Works Decision Near

The much debated orphan works legislation being discussed in both the house and the senate appears to be getting closer to reality. While photographers are still very concerned about the final wording of the legislation, professional associations such as the American Society of Magazine Professionals (ASMP) and the North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) are guardedly optimistic that compromise wording will recognize the artists’ right to copyright protection.

From ASMP:
The House version of the orphan works bill is expected to go to mark-up very soon, perhaps this week or next. We have received a summary of the anticipated changes and, while we are not at liberty to disclose the specific proposals that are on the table, it appears that the net effect of them is to benefit photographers. They include some of the improvements that ASMP has been requesting and discussing with House staff.
Until we see the final language that comes out of the mark-up, we are asking you to refrain from contacting your representatives in the House.
However, we still want you to continue to contact your Senators (see the Call to Action, below) to ask that they amend the Senate bill until it contains adequate protections for photographers. Our Draft Letter to Senators has details of the message that you should send to your Senators and information for sending it.

For more information on orphan works legislation, go to http://www.asmp.org/news/spec2008/orphan_update.php