Save Orphaned Works
Larry Lessig is calling on people to send the Copyright Office stories about why the “orphaned works” aspect of US copyright law is damaging to creativity.
Orphaned works are copyrighted works where the copyright owner is hard to find. These works are “abandoned” because the people who would like to use the works can’t get the required permission. It’s a shame, not only for the person that would like to use the work, but for the person who made the original work, because usually the only alternative for the work is a descent into obscurity.
“If you have a relevant story, or a perspective that might help the Copyright Office evaluate this issue, I would be grateful if you took just a few minutes to write an email telling them your story. The most valuable submissions will make clear the practical burden the existing system creates.” more