Copyright and License

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Introduction
Importance of Policies
AISRP Guide
Creative Commons
Publication Agreements
Best Practices
Conclusion

Introduction

Copyright and licensing are foundational elements in academic journal publishing. They govern how content is legally shared, reused, and protected. Each journal’s editorial team must ensure that copyright-related policies are lawful, transparent, and clearly communicated to all stakeholders—journal managers, authors, and readers alike. This clarity helps prevent copyright infringement claims, including potential litigation, and avoids complex legal scenarios.

Importance of Copyright & Licensing Policies

Clear copyright and licensing policies protect the interests of authors, journals, and readers. They establish who holds the rights to published content, how that content can be used, and under what conditions. Without well-defined policies, journals risk legal disputes, loss of trust, and damage to their reputation. Sound editorial policies also foster an environment of openness and respect for intellectual property.

Journal Publishing Guide: Copyright & Licensing (AISRP)

The AISRP (Academic Institution Scholar-led Publishing) provides a comprehensive guide covering essential aspects of copyright and licensing in journal publishing. This guide addresses:

	Publication agreements
	Copyright notices
	Creative Commons licenses
	Communication of copyright policies

The guide serves as a resource for journals to develop and implement effective copyright management strategies.

Creative Commons Licenses

Creative Commons (CC) licenses are widely used in academic publishing to facilitate sharing while protecting authors’ rights. These licenses provide a standardized way to grant permissions for use, distribution, and modification of works. The AISRP guide includes complete information on the types of CC licenses available, along with license deeds and legal codes that explain the terms in accessible language.

Common CC licenses include:

CC BY
Attribution
CC BY-SA
Attribution-ShareAlike
CC BY-ND
Attribution-NoDerivs
CC BY-NC
Attribution-NonCommercial
CC BY-NC-SA
Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike
CC BY-NC-ND
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs

Each license balances openness with varying levels of restriction, allowing authors and journals to choose the best fit for their publishing goals.

Publication Agreements

What is a Publication Agreement?

A publication agreement, sometimes called an author agreement, is a legal contract between the author(s) and the journal or publisher. It clearly defines the rights and responsibilities of both parties concerning the publication of an article. This agreement ensures mutual understanding and legal clarity, reducing the risk of disputes.

Recommended Template Agreement by AISRP

AISRP recommends a specific template for publication agreements that aligns with scholar-led publishing principles. This template is designed to be fair and transparent, supporting authors’ rights while enabling journals to publish and disseminate content effectively.

Key Features of the Template Agreement

	No Transfer of Copyright: Authors retain copyright ownership, allowing them to use their work beyond the terms of the Creative Commons license.
	Non-Revocable Publishing Rights: The journal receives permanent rights to publish and distribute the article in current and future formats, including migration to new platforms and preservation of content.
	Protection Against Third-Party Claims: The agreement safeguards the journal from copyright claims related to third-party content included in the article.

Retaining Copyright vs. Transferring Copyright

While many publishers require authors to transfer copyright, AISRP advocates for authors to retain their copyright. This approach empowers authors to maintain control over their work and supports open access principles. Retaining copyright also facilitates wider dissemination and reuse under Creative Commons licenses.

Rights Granted to Journals

The agreement grants journals the necessary rights to publish, distribute, and preserve articles without the risk of revocation. This ensures the journal’s ability to maintain and evolve its content over time, including adapting to new publishing technologies and platforms.

Best Practices for Managing Publication Agreements

Journals are encouraged to make their publication agreements publicly available on their websites so prospective authors can review them before submission. Completed agreements should be retained securely by the journal and copies provided to all authors involved. Utilizing submission system features, such as a library for storing agreements, can streamline record-keeping and ensure easy access, especially if policies change in the future.

AISRP journals are invited to consult with the program to adapt the template agreement to their specific needs, ensuring alignment with their editorial policies and legal requirements.

Conclusion

Effective copyright and licensing management is essential for the smooth operation and legal security of academic journals. By adopting clear policies, using well-crafted publication agreements, and leveraging Creative Commons licenses, journals can protect authors’ rights, facilitate open access, and minimize legal risks. The AISRP guide and template agreements provide valuable tools to support these goals, fostering a transparent and sustainable publishing environment.

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