I had heard about the Orphan Works Act, making art theft legal. I am not a lawyer, but basically, if an "infringer" wants to use any piece of art but cannot locate the creator after what he himself decides is a "reasonably diligent search", it is orphaned and is up for grabs.

I received this from the National Cartoonists Society yesterday. Part of it has been edited out, as it may pertain to members.

"The NCS Board and Stu Rees (NCS legal counsel) are taking the unusual step of urging you to write Congress in opposition to the pending Orphan Works Act of 2008. If enacted, this radical legislation will undermine key elements of your copyright protection. The House and Senate have different versions of the bill, and there are likely to be some modifications, but nothing under serious consideration makes this legislation remotely acceptable.

To take action, simply click this link

http://capwiz.com/illustratorspartnership/home/

and select one of the form letters. We recommend the letter titled “For Visual Artists – Any Image Can Be Infringed”. All you’ll need to do is add your contact information at the bottom of the page and press “Send Message”. It’s as easy as it is important.


/s/ Jeff Keane, NCS President
On behalf of the National Cartoonists Society

/s/ Stu Rees, Attorney for the NCS"


The above link also explains how the bills will affect visual artists.

Click here to see a copy of Senate version of bill S 2913 The Shawn Bentley Orphan Works Act of 2008:
http://www.sellyourtvconceptnow.com/orphan/The_Shawn_Bentley_Orphan_Works_Act_of_2008.pdf

Here is the House version of the Orphan Works Act of 2008:
http://www.sellyourtvconceptnow.com/orphan/The_Orphan_Works_Act_of_2008.pdf