Copyright, and the Regulation of Orphan Works: A Comparative Review of Seven Jurisdictions and a Rights Clearance Simulation

134 Pages Posted: 3 Jun 2015

See all articles by Marcella Favale

Marcella Favale

Bournemouth University; University of Glasgow

Fabian Homberg

University of Zurich - Institute for Organization and Administrative Science

Martin Kretschmer

University of Glasgow - School of Law

Dinusha Mendis

Bournemouth University

Davide Secchi

Bournemouth University

Date Written: June 2, 2015

Abstract

‘Orphan works’ are works in which copyright still subsists, but where the rightholder, whether it be the creator of the work or successor in title, cannot be located.

The problem with Orphan Works is that people refrain from using them, as for example for inclusion in another work, or for digitization and distribution over the internet, for fear of liability. This is how mass digitisation projects aimed at preserving cultural heritage and granting unprecedented access to forgotten works are facing a gridlock.

The paper aims to offer a clearer understanding of how orphan works are regulated and priced in other jurisdictions, in order to explore a range of policy options and identify possible solution to ensure that “parents” are fairly remunerated if they re-appear, and users are incentivised to access and exploit registered orphan works.

The paper consists of two parts. Part I undertakes a comparative international review of actual or proposed orphan works legislation, and identifies key characteristics of orphan works licensing schemes. Part II investigates the potential effects of such schemes by conducting a simulated rights clearance exercise for six scenarios (establishing licence terms and fees for specific commercial and non-commercial uses), and analysing the resulting dataset for effects of the characteristics identified in Part I.

The findings suggest that different regulatory approaches should be taken for commercial and non commercial uses (and users), and the need for a more structured and consistent approach in governing orphan works that is reflected in the pricing and duration of licences, and in the costs of running any licensing system.

Keywords: Orphan Works, Copyright, Mass Digitisation, Right Clearance, Cultural Heritage

JEL Classification: K33

Suggested Citation

Favale, Marcella and Homberg, Fabian and Kretschmer, Martin and Mendis, Dinusha and Secchi, Davide, Copyright, and the Regulation of Orphan Works: A Comparative Review of Seven Jurisdictions and a Rights Clearance Simulation (June 2, 2015). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2613498 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2613498

Marcella Favale (Contact Author)

Bournemouth University ( email )

Fern Barrow
Poole BH12 5BB, Dorset BH8 8EB
United Kingdom

HOME PAGE: http://https://microsites.bournemouth.ac.uk/cippm/2014/05/13/marcella-favale/

University of Glasgow ( email )

Adam Smith Business School
Glasgow, Scotland G12 8LE
United Kingdom

Fabian Homberg

University of Zurich - Institute for Organization and Administrative Science ( email )

Plattenstrasse 14
CH-8032 Zurich
Switzerland

Martin Kretschmer

University of Glasgow - School of Law ( email )

CREATe, School of Law
10 The Square
Glasgow, G12 8QQ
United Kingdom

Dinusha Mendis

Bournemouth University ( email )

Fern Barrow
Poole BH12 5BB, Dorset BH8 8EB
United Kingdom

Davide Secchi

Bournemouth University

Fern Barrow
Poole BH12 5BB, Dorset BH8 8EB
United Kingdom

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