2.2 Copyright and Right Retention

What Happens When You Transfer Copyright

Many publishers require authors to transfer copyright when submitting papers to journals, books, or conference proceedings. When copyright is transferred, the publisher gains control over key rights, including reproduction, distribution, reuse, translation, and modification of the work.

Once copyright is transferred, authors may lose control over how their work is shared, reused, or adapted, which can limit access, restrict teaching and sharing, and reduce the long-term visibility of their research.

Publisher Copyright Agreements: What to Check

Before signing a copyright agreement, review the following points carefully to understand which rights you transfer and which rights you retain.

Copyright ownership
Check whether you retain copyright or must transfer it entirely to the publisher.
Author reuse rights
Confirm whether you can reuse your work in teaching, future publications, or institutional repositories.
Sharing and distribution rights
Review whether you can share the accepted manuscript or published version online.
Creative Commons licensing options
See if the publisher allows CC licenses and which versions they apply to.
Embargo period
Check whether there is a waiting period before you can openly share your work.
Seek support before signing
Consult your library or research office if the agreement terms are unclear or restrictive.
Long-term access to your work
Ensure your article remains accessible even if journal access policies change.
Modification and derivative works
Check whether you are allowed to adapt or build upon your own work.
Third-party reuse permissions
Understand whether others may reuse your work and under what conditions.