[Don't make the mistake of thinking that this will effect only US photogs... because it could happen to anyone's photographs someone finds in the US... including yours.]
Emergency for Professional and Creative Photographers
Folks, we have a very serious situation on our hands. Congress is right now rushing into law a bill to legalize the theft of YOUR original photographic work.
It's called the "Orphan Works" amendment to the copyright act. What it basically says is that if anybody comes across your professional or creative photography, any time, anywhere, and then attempts to locate the creator (you) but can't, then they can just take it. Take it and use it however they want to.
You forfeit your right to control your own work. This would be true even of photographs with registered copyright.... more below....
http://theonlinephotographer.blogspot.com/2006/02/emergency-for-professional-and.html
http://www.asmp.org/news/spec2006/orphan_faxcall.php
