Everyone who seeks to publish family histories and quote works from historic manuscripts, etc might want to weigh in on this issue: >> The Copyright Office seeks to examine the issues raised by "orphan >> works," i.e., copyrighted works whose owners are difficult or even >> impossible to locate. Concerns have been raised that the uncertainty >> surrounding ownership of such works might needlessly discourage >> subsequent creators and users from incorporating such works in new >> creative efforts or making such works available to the public. The >> Office is now seeking written comments from all interested parties. >> Specifically, the Office is interested in whether there are compelling >> concerns raised by orphan works that merit a legislative, regulatory >> or other solution, and what type of solution could effectively address >> these concerns without conflicting with the legitimate interests of >> authors and right holders. >> >> Initial comments received by March 25, 2005, have been posted. Parties >> who wish to submit reply comments should follow the instructions set >> forth in the Notice of Inquiry. Reply comments are due by 5:00 p.m. >> EDT on May 9, 2005. >> > > http://www.copyright.gov/orphan/ Pass on to anyone who might be interested. See also: http://www.law.duke.edu/cspd/orphanworks.html