Rights & IP Guardrails: Securing Source Files for Smooth Publishing

Context

A US author faced a re-typeset delay when a previous vendor withheld source files. The issue risked delaying the next edition and increasing production costs.

Challenge

• Vendor retained native files for text, design, and A+ assets

• Risk of costly re-typeset for the upcoming edition

• Unclear IP ownership in prior contracts

Solution

• Estorytellers drafted a rights-safe service contract including a native-file handback clause

• Implemented a clear handoff of deliverables: CSVs of keywords, ad negatives, reports, A+ assets

• Ensured ownership of all IP and content remained with the author

Outcome

• Next edition reissued smoothly without re-typeset delays

• Time and cost savings for the author

• Contractual safeguards ensured no future vendor could withhold files

Case Takeaway: Clear rights and IP clauses prevent costly production delays and protect authors’ long-term publishing rights.