Dear all (and sorry for crossposting),
today, the EU parliament has approved a new directive on certain permitted uses of orphan works:
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/pressroom/content/20120907IPR50827/htm...
Unfortunately, open-content platforms like WP don't belong to the defined circle of entities which will be granted the right to digitize and make accessible orphan works. Also, the scope of the directive aims to non-commercial use only.
WMDE is currently taking part in the consultation process concerning the implementation of the orphan works directive into national law. Attached, you will find our statement given to the German Federal Ministry of Justice in August (translated into English). Maybe it can be useful for other purposes, especially within European chapters. Please note that the letter referes to the provisional agreement:
http://register.consilium.europa.eu/pdf/en/12/st10/st10953.en12.pdf
Changes in the final version affect the matter of financial compensation for rights holders who eventually show up.
Best regards,
Jan