The American Society of Picture Professionals has released
best-practice guidelines for locating copyright owners of photographic and visual art. Intended as a living document, the guidelines will be updates as new registries and technologies become available.
According to ASPP executive director Cathy Sachs, the release was prompted by the orphan-works legislation, currently pending in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. ASPP hopes its guidelines aid in defining what constitutes a "diligent search" for an owner of an orphan work in the eyes of the law. In addition, the guidelines may minimize orphans created by inadequate search procedures.
The ASPP says it has to remain neutral on the orphan-works legislation, as its membership includes both sides of the debate. However, its Web site acknowledges its sister-organizations' protests and states: "Common sense indicates that some of the new provisions of the Senate version of the bill do severely limit artists' rights to protect their own work, and seek compensation for unlawful use." It also encourages those affected to make their voice heard.