The Site for News About Copyright Infringement

Welcome to All Things Copyright.  This site was formerly known as Orphan Works News, but it became clear to us at the Guild that a more formidable website was needed to address all types of challenges to copyright law.  Artists and creatives everywhere are facing unique tests to their copyright ownership in the digital era, and this site has expanded its mission to address all the issues we face.

The latest dispute involved a website incredibly named Pilfered Magazine that openly stole and displayed visual art without permission of any kind.  The name of the digital publication bragged of the theft and taunted the creative community.  The alleged “creative director” and self-appointed “Robin Hood” for the masses argued that his unabashed theft of some 50 images was in service of “web democracy.” (See post at Copyright Alliance for more information).

The idea that creative work should be made available to the public at large without any payment or credit for the creator is growing at an alarming rate.  This is where the war for creative integrity must be fought, and it can’t be limited to a single battleground.  Large sectors of the public believe in a utopian vision in which they are enriched by the beauty of art, literature and music free of charge while the creators are impoverished.  Such a model is unsustainable of course, but that won’t stop others from trying.

We’re pleased to report that Pilfered Magazine has been taken down, but ours is an era in which we can expect to see more of the same very soon.

That’s why All Things Copyright will be here.  We’re here to inform creatives of the latest issues and threats to their rights.  We’re here to inform the general public about how copyright works and why they should support it to provide market incentive for artists.  We’re here to protect an industry that has been an inspiration to every generation of humanity and to ensure it remains for generations yet to come.