Orphan Works Bill
Currently, potential users of orphan works can be held liable for up to $150K in statutory damages.
When the House of Representatives reconvenes next week, November 17, it could pass the controversial Orphan Works Bill which would require only a 'fair' compensation to be paid to the copyright owner. However, it is unclear whether this lame-duck Congress will have time to pass any the bill before going into recess for the end-of-year holidays.On January 3rd, the newly-elected congress will convene picking up bills drafted and approved in 2008 which doesn't leave much time to coordinate efforts in defeating the orphan works bill.