Copyright Protection or Abandonment
Did you know that you might lose your copyright protection? The US Government is currently reviewing ideas that just might cut off your copyrights and place your work in public domain.
You may not be aware of it right now but the current copyright law is under official review by the US Government. The issue at hand is directly related to a phrase called “Orphaned Works”. Orphaned works are creative works where a copyright was in place as directed by the 1976 copyright act (although unregistered) and the creator or owner of such work can not be determined or located. They are pieces of work with no one to claim them thus Orphaned.
The Copyright Office under the direction of the Senate is reviewing the current copyright law and public opinion on the matter, as outlined on the copyright website. It is the feeling of some that such work when identified as Orphaned is best placed in the public domain so that the works may be enjoyed by all. Current copyright law prohibits this without the permission of the creator even if the creator can not be located. The issue is to be reviewed and then reported back to the Senate by the end of 2005.
Many professional organizations concerned about the weakening of the copyright law have spoken out against any changes. GAG, PPA, ASMP, and many others. It is in the opinion of this writer that the copyright law should remain the same. Placing works in public domain just because no one claims them or the interested party can not contact them, weakens the law and leaves artists vulnerable to the loss of creative protection. In a time when the arts and artists are suffering this change to the copyright law may persuade an artist to hang up the paint brush, put away the pen, sell the camera, and give up the arts forever. It is in the best interest of the public to protect arts rights and encourage them to create for all to enjoy.
If the current law is not changed and even though the 1976 copyright act protects artists work without registering them we encourage you to do so. Register your important works with the copyright office.
For more information about the “Orphan Works” issue check out this link.
What is your opinion we want to know?
The government seeks your input into this matter and asks that all interested parties submit their opinions before March 25. To express your opinion on the issue please write to orphanworks@loc.gov
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