The directive n°2012/28/EU on certain permitted uses of orphan works has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union on October 29, 2012, after its adoption by the European Parliament and the Council.
The Directive establishes common rules applicable to the digitization and online display of orphan works.
Orphan works consist in works protected by intellectual property rights but whose holders cannot be identified or located.
This directive should foster the use of orphan works by creating a clear legal framework.