"With on-line registration on the near horizon, this feature will make it much easier to actually register your copyright and more fully protect your images," said Richard Anderson, chair of ASMP's Digital Standards Committee and principal author of the Universal Photographic Digital Imaging Guidelines (UPDIG) document.

To diminish the likelihood of creating Orphan Works, images will
also be deposited into a privately created searchable registry or
database of owner and/or user information. "It has never been
more important for photographers to take steps to protect their
images and ensure their future value," said ASMP president Clem
Spalding.

This entire effort is being association- and industry-driven, and
ASMP will be soliciting participation from within the trade. More
details will emerge as this effort progresses.

ABOUT ASMP

Founded in 1944, the American Society of Media Photographers
(ASMP) is the leading trade association for photographers who
photograph primarily for publication. ASMP promotes
photographers' rights, educates photographers in better business
practices, produces business publications for photographers, and
helps buyers find professional photographers. It has more than
5,000 members, including many of the world's greatest
photographers, in 40 chapters nationwide.

For further information, contact:
Eugene Mopsik, Executive Director
215-451-ASMP (215-451-2767)
email mopsik@asmp.org