Adopting an “Orphan Works” Scheme: Proposals from the Copyright Amendment Bill 2025 (Cth)
The Federal Government recently announced Australia’s first statutory orphan works scheme by way of the Copyright Amendment Bill 2025 (Cth) (Bill).
Read MoreProposed copyright reform in Australia – Limited liability scheme for use of orphan works
Reforms to the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) (Act) are just around the corner, and after two years of extensive stakeholder consultation, the Government has finally proposed a limited liability scheme for use of orphan works. The proposed reforms were announced by Hon Paul Fletcher MP, Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, on 13 August 2020.
This proposed amendment will favour the cultural, educational and broadcasting sectors in Australia who will soon be able to use and display works for which a copyright owner cannot be identified or located without risk of copyright infringement, and will result in an important public interest benefit.
Read MoreU.S. Copyright Office Chief Testifies: Eight Issues Ready for Legislation
On April 29, 2015, U.S. Register of Copyrights, Maria Pallante, testified to the House Judiciary Committee providing the Copyright Office’s perspective on updates to U.S. copyright law. In addition to recommending a more autonomous Copyright Office and flagging policy issues that warrant further analysis and attention, Ms. Pallante identified eight issues deserving current legislative action:
1. Music Licensing. After undertaking a comprehensive study last year to assess the impact of copyright law on the music marketplace, the Copyright Office recommends
- greater negotiating room for public performance rights while preserving the benefits of collective licensing for smaller actors
- U.S. recognition of a full public performance right for sound recordings
- federal copyright protection for pre-1972 sound recordings.