Joint Author’s Agreement
Joint Author’s Agreement
____________ and ______________ herewith agree:
That the parties hereto are joint authors of a copyrightable work entitled:
_______________________________ (“Work”) which was completed on or about ___________. This agreement shall be binding on the successors, heirs and assigns of the joint authors.Work was registered with the U.S. Copyright Office, and given certificate number ___________________.
Each party hereto, provided that proper credit is given may use portions of this work, not exceeding ____ words, in any future work by joint author. Further, each may use this work as a basis for a new derivative work. Proper credit shall consist of stating prominently in the work “portions reprinted with permission of ____________ (the other party) and ______________, from their copyright work, ___________, copyright ______, all rights reserved.
Either author may authorize reprinting of work in non-commercial academic journals or presses, provided that proper credit is given for the use. Proper credit shall consist of stating prominently in the work “portions reprinted with permission of ____________ and ______________, from their copyright work, ___________, copyright ______, all rights reserved.
All exploitation of this work for commercial advantage shall require unanimous consent of the parties. Any royalties or other consideration shall be equally divided among the co-authors.
Each co-author grants to the other co-author the right of first refusal to sell their interest in the copyright. Either co-author shall have the right to purchase the same on the same bona fide conditions and terms as may be negotiated between the other author and the prospective purchaser. The co-author exercising the right of first refusal shall have thirty days after notice to accept the same, and an additional 15 days after acceptance to close and make final payment.
Dated: ____________________________
_____________________________________________
Author_____________________________________________
Author
Joint Author’s Agreement
Review ListThis review list is provided to inform you about this document in question and assist you in its preparation. This is a simple non-intimidating agreement to protect and preserve the rights of parties co-authoring any work of intellectual property. It can be used for fiction, nonfiction, software, and a host of other such projects.
1. Make multiple copies. Be sure each party has an original. Keep a copy with the project file.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Joint Author's Agreement?
A Joint Author's Agreement is a legal document in which two parties confirm that they are joint authors of a copyrightable work and set out the terms of their collaboration. It identifies the work, the date of completion, and the copyright registration certificate number. The agreement also addresses how each author may use the work in the future and how credit must be given.
What should be included in a Joint Author's Agreement?
The agreement should include the names of the joint authors, the title of the work, the date the work was completed, and the U.S. Copyright Office registration certificate number. It should also specify the maximum number of words each author may use in future works, the requirement for proper credit, and the right to create derivative works. Additionally, it should state that the agreement binds successors, heirs, and assigns.
How does a Joint Author's Agreement handle credit and attribution?
The agreement requires that proper credit be given whenever portions of the work are used. Proper credit consists of stating prominently in the new work that portions are reprinted with permission of the other party and the author, from their copyright work, including the title and copyright year, and noting that all rights reserved. This ensures that both authors receive recognition for their contributions.
Can a joint author use portions of the work in a new work?
Yes, each joint author may use portions of the work in any future work, provided that proper credit is given. The agreement specifies a maximum number of words that may be used, which must be filled in. This allows authors to reuse parts of the work without seeking additional permission, as long as attribution is provided.
What rights do joint authors have to create derivative works?
Under the agreement, each joint author may use the work as a basis for a new derivative work. This means they can adapt, modify, or build upon the original work without needing further consent from the other author. However, proper credit must still be given as outlined in the agreement.
Who can authorize reprinting of the work in academic journals?
Either author may authorize reprinting of the work in non-commercial academic journals or presses, provided that proper credit is given. The credit must state prominently that portions are reprinted with permission of both authors, from their copyright work, including the title and copyright year. This allows for broad dissemination in academic contexts while preserving attribution.
Is a Joint Author's Agreement binding on heirs and assigns?
Yes, the agreement states that it shall be binding on the successors, heirs, and assigns of the joint authors. This means that the rights and obligations under the agreement continue even if one or both authors pass away or transfer their interests. It ensures that the terms remain enforceable over time.
What is the purpose of the copyright registration certificate number in the agreement?
The copyright registration certificate number is included to identify the work's registration with the U.S. Copyright Office. It provides official evidence of the copyright and helps link the agreement to the registered work. This can be useful in enforcing rights or resolving disputes.
How is proper credit defined in a Joint Author's Agreement?
Proper credit is defined as stating prominently in the new work that portions are reprinted with permission of the other party and the author, from their copyright work, including the title, copyright year, and the phrase 'all rights reserved.' This specific language ensures that both authors are acknowledged and that the copyright notice is preserved.
What happens if a joint author wants to use the work in a commercial publication?
The agreement only explicitly allows either author to authorize reprinting in non-commercial academic journals or presses. For commercial publications, the agreement does not provide automatic permission, so the authors would need to negotiate separately. The agreement does, however, allow each author to use portions in future works and to create derivative works, provided proper credit is given.
