Rights Retention and Secondary Publication

Secondary publication can be a way to share knowledge and ideas with a wider audience, but it also raises important questions about copyright and rights retention.

"The right to reproduce and distribute copies of the work, in any medium or format, must be retained by the author unless otherwise agreed in writing by the author." - UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of the Creator

This principle emphasizes the importance of authors retaining their rights and control over their work, even in cases of secondary publication.

Why Rights Retention Matters

Ensures the author's continued connection to their work
Prevents unauthorized use or reproduction
Respects the creator's contribution to knowledge and culture

Conclusion

By retaining their rights, authors can maintain control over their work and ensure its integrity is preserved, even in the face of secondary publication.

Ultimately, rights retention is crucial for upholding the values of creativity, innovation, and knowledge-sharing that underpin our global culture.

This essential principle allows creators to continue to engage with their work, adapt it, and share it with new audiences, while also safeguarding their rights and intellectual property.

A well-balanced approach to rights retention can foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and mutual respect among creators, users, and the broader community.

In essence, rights retention is a cornerstone of a fair, equitable, and sustainable knowledge ecosystem.

By prioritizing rights retention, we can ensure that the rights of creators are respected, and the value of their contributions is preserved for generations to come.

As we navigate the complex landscape of secondary publication, we must not forget the fundamental importance of rights retention in maintaining the integrity and value of creative work.

Ultimately, it is our collective responsibility to uphold the principles of rights retention, so that future generations can build upon the knowledge, ideas, and innovations of the past.

Wolters Kluwer — 2025-11-27