The Orphan Works Bill

Thanks to Eun-Ha for forwarding this on to us! We weren't aware about this bill in Congress which will radically change the way copyrights will be enforced in the US. This doesn't only apply to professional artists or designers--this could impact anyone who creates anything that gets shared in a public realm like photosharing. Automatically owning the rights to something you create should be the default and we should all be concerned about this issue. Please read about it and write Congress!

This article explains the impacts of the bill:
http://mag.awn.com/?ltype=pageone&article_no=3605

Here's an op-ed from the New York Times.

Here's an easy way to write Congress and fight for your copyrights:
http://capwiz.com/illustratorspartnership/home/

Pick a sample letter or write your own. Type in your zip code. Your letter will be automatically addressed to your congressman and senators. Click and send.

For more information about the Orphan Works Act of 2008:

-IPA Statement to House Subcommittee March 20, 2008
http://www.illustratorspartnership.org/01_topics/article.php?searchterm=00261

-IPA Senate Mark-up Comments April 30, 2008
http://www.illustratorspartnership.org/ow_docs

-Geneva/ May 7, 2008 Orphan Works Bill Catches Global Attention/ Intellectual Property Watch
http://www.ip-watch.org/weblog/index.php?p=1028

-MP3 Interview
http://www.sellyourtvconceptnow.com/orphan.html

-YouTube
http://youtube.com/watch?v=CqBZd0cP5Yc