Legal Term

Ghostwriting Contract Rights Reversion

Legal Definition

A contractual and statutory mechanism, primarily governed by 17 U.S.C. § 203 (termination of transfers), that allows a ghostwriter to reclaim copyright ownership of a work they created for hire or assigned to another party after a specified period or upon the occurrence of certain conditions, such as material breach by the client.

In Plain English

It's the 'get-back' rule in a ghostwriting deal. It lets the writer take back ownership of the book, article, or speech they wrote for someone else, usually after a set number of years or if the client doesn't hold up their end of the bargain (like not paying). Without it, the client often owns it forever.

Example in a Contract
Section 4. Reversion of Rights. (a) Grantor (Client) acknowledges that Grantee (Writer) retains a termination right under 17 U.S.C. § 203. This right may be exercised by Grantee within a five-year period beginning thirty-five (35) years from the date of initial publication of the Work under this Agreement. (b) Additionally, all rights granted herein shall automatically revert to Grantee upon Client's material breach of this Agreement, including but not limited to failure to pay any compensation due within thirty (30) days of the due date, provided such breach is not cured within fifteen (15) days of written notice. (c) Upon reversion, Client shall promptly deliver all source materials and execute any documents necessary to evidence the transfer of rights back to Grantee.

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