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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Amy Smorodin
March 27 , 2006
(202) 289-8928
   

Panelists Announced for Orphan Works Event
Experts to Discuss Proposed Legislative Language,
Copyright Issues

WASHINGTON D.C. - Legal experts, industry spokespersons and a government representative will gather this Friday, March 31st, to discuss the issue of orphan works. "Orphan Works: A Search for Solutions" will explore proposals, including legislative language put forth by the U.S. Copyright Office, of the best policies to deal with works in which the copyright owner cannot be located. The event will be held from noon to 2:00pm at the Rayburn House Office Building.

Friday's Congressional Seminar will be moderated by Solveig Singleton, Senior Adjunct Fellow at The Progress & Freedom Foundation. Confirmed panelists include Jule Sigall, Associate Register for Policy & International Affairs for the U.S. Copyright Office; Prue Adler, Associate Executive Director of the Association of Research Libraries; technology law and policy expert Jonathan Band, Attorney at Jonathan Band, PLLC; and Steven Metalitz, Senior Vice President of the International Intellectual Property Alliance.

In January, the U.S. Copyright Office proposed legislative language to Congress that would allow use of orphan works as long as a reasonable search for the owner is completed. The language also protects the end-users from financial liability beyond fair payment for use if the owner later surfaces. While many applaud the language, others feel that such policies would unfairly affect certain components of the content industry. The discussion panel will address various options for handling orphan works from the perspective of stakeholders and the Copyright Office.

"Orphan Works: A Search for Solutions " will be held in room B-369 of the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C. from 12:00pm - 2:00pm. Lunch will be served. Those interested in attending can register here. Questions concerning the event should be directed to Eileen Goulding at egoulding@pff.org or 202-289-8928. Media enquiries should be directed to Amy Smorodin at 202-289-8928 or asmorodin@pff.org.

The Progress & Freedom Foundation is a market-oriented think tank that studies the digital revolution and its implications for public policy. It is a 501(c)(3) research & educational organization.

 

 

The Progress & Freedom Foundation