Orphan Works Copyright Act of 2008

I just received a disturbing email from Creative Public about the new Orphaned Works Copyright law that is trying to be passed in congress. This law could hurt a lot of artists and designers, if passed.

The following is from the Creative Public email I received and was written by Michael Durwin, Creative Director of eyeanimate.com…

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The Orphan Works Act of 2008
Bill # H.R.5889
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The Shawn Bentley Orphan Works Act of 2008
Bill # S.2913
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These bills effectively release creative work, whose authors or originators cannot be found, to use by anyone, including major corporations. This will allow large corporations to take advantage of the limited understanding of copyright law by artists, illustrators and other creatives. Essentially profiting from a large group of Americans that barely make a living with their work.

The bills would require the authors of so-called “orphaned works” to go through extraordinary measures to digitally copy and submit their work the the copyright office. This doesn’t just effect artists. If someone posts pictures of their baby on MySpace, then negleects to check their MySpace email, or signed up for the social network using a screen name rather than their real name, they could find those baby pictures being used for a multi-million dollar advertising campaign.

I work for an ad agency and have just as much respect for the artists, photographers and designers who I work with as I do the budget limitations faced by companies trying to promote their products and services.

This bill, however, amounts to legalized theft by big corporation of the property of the little guy.

Unfortunately these bills are being sponsored by Democrats ( Howard Berman D-CA 28th, Patrick Leahy D-VT) who should know better.

I’m sure your members would be very interested in this legislation.

You can read more about these bills here:

http://capwiz.com/illustratorspartnership/issues/bills/?billid=11320236

http://capwiz.com/illustratorspartnership/issues/bills/?bill=11322171

Michael Durwin
Creative Director
eyeanimate.com

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What a load of BS. Basically everyone will be able to steal of others. Yea it already happens BUT this allows large corporations to steal and you won’t be able to do anything about it.

..not great. Let see what happens now.

thanx for sharing!

“Unfortunately these bills are being sponsored by Democrats ( Howard Berman D-CA 28th, Patrick Leahy D-VT) who should know better.”

WHAH!!!!! I’m so sorry you can’t be mad at Bush for this.

When will people learn that all politicians are crooks, liars, and professional truth adjusters?

I agree with you Rich, I hate politics and it sucks that they control our lives.

I don’t want to make this into an ideological debate, but anyone who thinks the last eight years would’ve been similar with Gore or Kerry in office obviously know nothing about politics.

It’s like saying asbestos and a cold virus both make you sick so diseases are all the same.