The American Society of Media Photographers has reported that if someone cannot find you, they may use your work without having to get your permission. Orphan works are basically works whose copyright owners cannot be located.
“It will be the worst thing that has happened to independent photographers and other independent visual artists since Work Made for Hire contracts,” wrote Victor S. Perlman, general counsel and managing director of the ASMP.
Read Victor S. Perlman’s ASMP article here.
Read the U.S. Copyright’s Office report on Orphan Works here.