Copyright policy - MPs urge clarity on 'orphan' works

MPs have said there needs to be a clearer policy on "orphan" works or those for which it is impossible to trace the copyright holder, according to a committee of MPs on the work and operation of the Copyright Tribunal, which adjudicates in commercial disputes over copyright. A report by the subcommittee of the Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills Select Committee concluded: "We recommend ... the Intellectual Property Office set out its policy on the treatment of orphan works and that, in particular, it explain whether it supports licensing of or exemptions for orphan works."