UK Society of Authors Warns Creators Against Rights Buyout Clauses
Authors union issues contract guidance advising writers against signing all-format rights grants for the full term of copyright.
The UK Society of Authors (SoA) has issued an advisory warning instructing authors and freelancers to carefully scrutinize contract terms containing expansive rights buyouts or indefinite reversion clauses.
The advisory highlights contract clauses that demand all-format worldwide rights—including unproduced audiobook, translation, and AI training rights—for the full duration of copyright without automatic reversion triggers.
Key Contract Red Flags
- Life-of-Copyright Grants Without Reversion: Contracts lacking clear out-of-print reversion clauses when sales fall below specified thresholds.
- Uncapped Indemnity Clauses: Requiring authors to bear unlimited legal expenses for unverified third-party claims.
- Unspecified Promotional Fees: Hybrid contract terms charging authors for non-itemized marketing packages.
The Society offers contract vetting services to member authors to ensure fair publishing agreements.
Sources
Daniel Osei
Senior reporter
Daniel writes on contracts, rights and the business of independent publishing.
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