The impossible quest – Problems with diligent search for orphan works

According to the Orphan Works Directive, cultural institutions must attempt to locate the owner of a work before using it. This is the so-called ‘‘diligent search’’ requirement. This paper provides an empirical analysis of the conditions under which a diligent search can feasibly be carried out. The United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Italy, all of which have implemented the Orphan Works Directive, have been selected as case studies