I've been looking since this morning, have found absolutly nothing from a reputable source to validate it.

Here's an IP lawyer's take on it. http://www.workmadeforhire.net/the-rest/whats-this-orphan-works-business-about/

tl;dr

Legislation for new rules governing orphan works has been recommended. Person U (user) wants to obtain a license for a piece of art which was created by person C (creator), but U doesn't KNOW who C is. Previously, if U still used the art, C could later she U.

Under the recommended legislation, if U documents an extensive search to locate C, which may involve paying a third party to assist, and U files a notice with the US copyright office describing the search and use of the art, then they get a good faith pass for trying. Then if C later discovers the unlicensed use, they will be required to license the work to U for a reasonable amount.

Note IANAL, and this is my own short summary which may be totally off mark.

If we have to prevent it, we'd either have to end copyright altogether and a make law to prevent copyrighting by law(stating everyone can't make a claim period) or go through the hazard of war with everyone else.