The IPKat: Event Report: Can Crowdsourcing Solve the Orphan Works Problem?

"Crowdsourcing is one of the great innovations of the 21st century, but can it help address the issue of diligent search in the use of orphan works? The challenge of unlocking access to copyright works where the author is unknown has been a priority in the cultural agenda for some time. The issue of orphan works as an obstacle to the 'productive and beneficial uses' of copyright works has been recognised as a policy challenge since at least 2006 when the US Copyright Office first made proposals for a legislative solution.

Since 2006, we have seen major legislative initiatives such as the EU Orphan Works Directive 2012 (Kat post here) and the UK IPO orphan works licensing scheme (Kat posthere). However, despite guidance provided by the IPO, the 'diligent search' requirement set out in the legislation has been identified by many as a major practical and financial hurdle.