Contents:
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Things to consider before starting a diligent search
- 3. Conducting a diligent search
- 4. Appropriate sources for sound recordings
- 5. Appropriate sources for Films
- 6. Appropriate sources for stage plays, radio plays and audio books
- 7. Appropriate sources for unpublished films and sound recordings
- 8. Appropriate sources for film and sound recordings under the EU Directive
- 9. Diligent searches for right holders outside the UK
- 10. Useful Contacts
The British Intellectual Property Office has published authoritative guidance on copyright and orphan works in the UK. Orphan works are copyright works where one or more right holder is unknown or cannot be located. This guide for the copyright area ‘film and sound’ is intended to be helpful on searching for right holders in audiovisual copyright works to obtain permission to reproduce the work. The guide includes details on the sources that applicants must consult and a non-exhaustive list of additional sources which might be helpful for (AV) archives that decide to apply for a licence under the orphan works licensing scheme, which requires a diligent search to be completed. A checklist to show that one has completed a diligent search is also available, and may be used in the application process.
Although the diligent search that has to be done before the (re)use of UK orphan works is the subject of this guide, most sections contain relevant information and useful tips for AV archivists outside the UK as well.