{"id":5584,"date":"2026-06-28T16:13:42","date_gmt":"2026-06-28T14:13:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/graciacalbet.com\/blog\/editorial-law-catalogue-contracts\/"},"modified":"2026-06-29T10:47:24","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T08:47:24","slug":"editorial-law-catalogue-contracts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/graciacalbet.com\/en\/propiedad-intelectual\/editorial-law-catalogue-contracts\/","title":{"rendered":"10 editorial law checks for catalogues and contracts in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>article[class*=\"post-\"] h1.text-center.mb-20{display:none!important;}<\/style>\n<article style=\"width:100%;max-width:1180px;box-sizing:border-box;margin:0 auto;padding:0 clamp(18px,4vw,30px) clamp(40px,8vw,72px);color:#2b2b2b;font-family:Raleway,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:clamp(16px,3.8vw,18px);line-height:1.72;overflow-x:hidden;overflow-wrap:anywhere;word-break:break-word;\">\n<header style=\"position:relative;margin:0 0 clamp(34px,7vw,58px);padding:clamp(32px,8vw,78px) 0 clamp(28px,7vw,54px);text-align:center;border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;overflow:hidden;\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" style=\"position:absolute;right:-8%;top:4%;width:min(460px,72vw);max-width:none;opacity:.045;z-index:0;\" src=\"https:\/\/graciacalbet.com\/images\/graciacalbet-logo-transparent.svg\" alt=\"\"><\/p>\n<div style=\"position:relative;z-index:1;max-width:1040px;margin:0 auto;\">\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 18px;color:#797979;font-size:clamp(11px,3vw,13px);line-height:1.35;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.14em;text-transform:uppercase;overflow-wrap:break-word;word-break:break-word;\">Intellectual property and editorial law<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"max-width:1020px;margin:0 auto 20px;color:#000;font-family:PlayfairDisplay,Georgia,serif;font-size:clamp(30px,6.8vw,68px);line-height:1.02;font-weight:600;overflow-wrap:anywhere;word-break:break-word;hyphens:auto;\">10 editorial law checks for catalogues and contracts in 2026<\/h2>\n<p style=\"max-width:860px;margin:0 auto 22px;color:#2b2b2b;font-size:clamp(18px,4.2vw,22px);line-height:1.55;overflow-wrap:anywhere;word-break:break-word;\">A guide to <strong style=\"color:#000;font-weight:800;\">editorial law<\/strong> for authors, publishers, literary agents and content businesses that need to review contracts, rights, royalties, international tax and catalogue protection.<\/p>\n<div style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:10px 18px;align-items:center;justify-content:center;margin:0;color:#797979;font-size:14px;line-height:1.4;\">\n        <span style=\"display:inline-block;\">Last reviewed: May 2026<\/span><br \/>\n        <span style=\"display:inline-block;width:28px;height:1px;background:#d7d7d7;\"><\/span><br \/>\n        <span style=\"display:inline-block;\">Intellectual property, commercial and tax practice<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/header>\n<figure style=\"max-width:960px;margin:0 auto clamp(34px,7vw,52px);padding:0;\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" style=\"display:block;width:100%;max-height:clamp(300px,58vw,520px);object-fit:cover;background:#f3f3f3;\" src=\"https:\/\/graciacalbet.com\/images\/graciacalbet-propiedad-intelectual-y-derecho-editorial.jpg\" alt=\"Books and contractual documents for reviewing a publishing catalogue\"><figcaption style=\"margin:0;padding:12px 0 0;color:#797979;font-size:14px;line-height:1.45;border-top:1px solid #e6e6e6;\">A publishing catalogue is protected through precise contracts, documentary traceability, economic control and active defence of rights.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(min(100%,260px),1fr));gap:0;margin:0 0 clamp(30px,6vw,46px);border-top:1px solid #000;border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;\">\n<p style=\"margin:0;padding:18px 18px 18px 0;color:#2b2b2b;font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;\"><strong style=\"display:block;margin:0 0 4px;color:#000;font-weight:800;\">Focus<\/strong> Authors, publishers, literary agencies, media groups and content businesses.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0;padding:18px;color:#2b2b2b;font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;\"><strong style=\"display:block;margin:0 0 4px;color:#000;font-weight:800;\">Main risk<\/strong> Assigning, exploiting or claiming rights without enough contract, evidence or economic control.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0;padding:18px 0 18px 18px;color:#2b2b2b;font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;\"><strong style=\"display:block;margin:0 0 4px;color:#000;font-weight:800;\">Useful decision<\/strong> Review rights, royalties, tax and catalogue defence as one system.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<nav aria-label=\"Table of contents\" style=\"max-width:860px;margin:0 auto clamp(30px,6vw,48px);padding:0;border-top:1px solid #000;border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;\">\n<p style=\"margin:0;padding:16px 0 12px;color:#000;font-size:13px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:.16em;text-transform:uppercase;\">Article contents<\/p>\n<ol style=\"display:block;margin:0;padding:0;color:#2b2b2b;font-size:clamp(15px,3.8vw,16px);line-height:1.45;list-style:none;\">\n<li style=\"margin:0;padding:14px 0;border-top:1px solid #e6e6e6;\"><a style=\"display:flex;gap:14px;color:#2b2b2b;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none;overflow-wrap:anywhere;word-break:break-word;\" href=\"#editorial-law-checks\"><span style=\"flex:0 0 auto;color:#797979;font-weight:800;white-space:nowrap;\">01<\/span><span>10 legal and economic checks for a catalogue<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin:0;padding:14px 0;border-top:1px solid #e6e6e6;\"><a style=\"display:flex;gap:14px;color:#2b2b2b;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none;overflow-wrap:anywhere;word-break:break-word;\" href=\"#publishing-contract-documents\"><span style=\"flex:0 0 auto;color:#797979;font-weight:800;white-space:nowrap;\">02<\/span><span>Documents to review before signing<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin:0;padding:14px 0;border-top:1px solid #e6e6e6;\"><a style=\"display:flex;gap:14px;color:#2b2b2b;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none;overflow-wrap:anywhere;word-break:break-word;\" href=\"#protect-publishing-catalogue\"><span style=\"flex:0 0 auto;color:#797979;font-weight:800;white-space:nowrap;\">03<\/span><span>How to protect a publishing catalogue<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin:0;padding:14px 0;border-top:1px solid #e6e6e6;\"><a style=\"display:flex;gap:14px;color:#2b2b2b;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none;overflow-wrap:anywhere;word-break:break-word;\" href=\"#author-publisher-risks\"><span style=\"flex:0 0 auto;color:#797979;font-weight:800;white-space:nowrap;\">04<\/span><span>Frequent risks for authors and publishers<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin:0;padding:14px 0;border-top:1px solid #e6e6e6;\"><a style=\"display:flex;gap:14px;color:#2b2b2b;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none;overflow-wrap:anywhere;word-break:break-word;\" href=\"#tax-author-rights\"><span style=\"flex:0 0 auto;color:#797979;font-weight:800;white-space:nowrap;\">05<\/span><span>Taxation of advances, royalties and author rights<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin:0;padding:14px 0;border-top:1px solid #e6e6e6;\"><a style=\"display:flex;gap:14px;color:#2b2b2b;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none;overflow-wrap:anywhere;word-break:break-word;\" href=\"#review-publishing-contract\"><span style=\"flex:0 0 auto;color:#797979;font-weight:800;white-space:nowrap;\">06<\/span><span>Signs that a publishing contract should be reviewed<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin:0;padding:14px 0;border-top:1px solid #e6e6e6;\"><a style=\"display:flex;gap:14px;color:#2b2b2b;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none;overflow-wrap:anywhere;word-break:break-word;\" href=\"#graciacalbet-editorial-law\"><span style=\"flex:0 0 auto;color:#797979;font-weight:800;white-space:nowrap;\">07<\/span><span>How GraciaCalbet can help<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin:0;padding:14px 0;border-top:1px solid #e6e6e6;\"><a style=\"display:flex;gap:14px;color:#2b2b2b;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none;overflow-wrap:anywhere;word-break:break-word;\" href=\"#frequently-asked-questions\"><span style=\"flex:0 0 auto;color:#797979;font-weight:800;white-space:nowrap;\">08<\/span><span>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<div style=\"margin:0 0 clamp(30px,6vw,44px);padding:clamp(20px,5vw,28px);background:#f3f3f3;border-left:2px solid #000;\">\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 14px;\"><strong style=\"color:#000;font-weight:800;\">These are the 10 editorial law checks we recommend reviewing:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(min(100%,300px),1fr));gap:10px 22px;margin:0;padding:0;list-style:none;color:#2b2b2b;\">\n<li style=\"margin:0;padding:0 0 10px;border-bottom:1px solid #d7d7d7;\"><strong style=\"color:#000;font-weight:800;\">01<\/strong> Complete and updated publishing contract<\/li>\n<li style=\"margin:0;padding:0 0 10px;border-bottom:1px solid #d7d7d7;\"><strong style=\"color:#000;font-weight:800;\">02<\/strong> Clearly delimited exploitation rights<\/li>\n<li style=\"margin:0;padding:0 0 10px;border-bottom:1px solid #d7d7d7;\"><strong style=\"color:#000;font-weight:800;\">03<\/strong> Digital and audiovisual formats covered<\/li>\n<li style=\"margin:0;padding:0 0 10px;border-bottom:1px solid #d7d7d7;\"><strong style=\"color:#000;font-weight:800;\">04<\/strong> Author image and promotion rights<\/li>\n<li style=\"margin:0;padding:0 0 10px;border-bottom:1px solid #d7d7d7;\"><strong style=\"color:#000;font-weight:800;\">05<\/strong> Transparent royalty accounting<\/li>\n<li style=\"margin:0;padding:0 0 10px;border-bottom:1px solid #d7d7d7;\"><strong style=\"color:#000;font-weight:800;\">06<\/strong> Deposit and distribution with financial control<\/li>\n<li style=\"margin:0;padding:0 0 10px;border-bottom:1px solid #d7d7d7;\"><strong style=\"color:#000;font-weight:800;\">07<\/strong> Taxation of advances and author rights<\/li>\n<li style=\"margin:0;padding:0 0 10px;border-bottom:1px solid #d7d7d7;\"><strong style=\"color:#000;font-weight:800;\">08<\/strong> International exploitation and double taxation<\/li>\n<li style=\"margin:0;padding:0 0 10px;border-bottom:1px solid #d7d7d7;\"><strong style=\"color:#000;font-weight:800;\">09<\/strong> Measures against plagiarism or piracy<\/li>\n<li style=\"margin:0;padding:0 0 10px;border-bottom:1px solid #d7d7d7;\"><strong style=\"color:#000;font-weight:800;\">10<\/strong> Integrated strategy for publishing catalogues<\/li>\n<\/ol><\/div>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 18px;\"><strong style=\"color:#000;font-weight:800;\">Editorial law<\/strong> protects one of the most delicate assets in any cultural business: the catalogue. For a publisher, literary agency, established author or media group, copyright is not a formality; it is an economic asset that generates income, reputation and negotiating power.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 18px;\">Many editorial conflicts start before litigation exists: incomplete contracts, overly broad assignments, opaque royalty statements, deposits with distributors without safeguards, digital rights not foreseen or poorly documented international exploitation.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 18px;\">The practical question is not only what the law says. It is whether the contract makes it clear who can exploit each right, for how long, in which territory, in which formats, under what economic control and with what evidence if a dispute appears.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 22px;\">This guide organises the criteria worth reviewing in 2026 to protect works, catalogues, royalties, image rights, international licences and claims for plagiarism, non-payment or unauthorised use.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"editorial-law-checks\" style=\"margin:clamp(48px,9vw,68px) 0 20px;padding-top:20px;border-top:1px solid #000;color:#000;font-family:PlayfairDisplay,Georgia,serif;font-size:clamp(27px,5.8vw,42px);line-height:1.04;font-weight:600;\">10 legal and economic checks for a catalogue<\/h2>\n<h3 style=\"margin:30px 0 12px;color:#000;font-family:Raleway,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:clamp(18px,4.6vw,22px);line-height:1.25;font-weight:800;\">1. Complete and updated publishing contract<\/h3>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">The publishing contract should state precisely which work is exploited, which rights are assigned, for how long, in which territories, in which formats and with what remuneration. Generic templates are risky because one ambiguous clause can affect years of exploitation.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">Advance, royalties, publication deadline, print runs, digital editions, audit of statements, reversion of rights and termination causes should be reviewed. If the contract does not make clear what each party can do and what the author should receive, the catalogue loses legal certainty.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"margin:30px 0 12px;color:#000;font-family:Raleway,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:clamp(18px,4.6vw,22px);line-height:1.25;font-weight:800;\">2. Clearly delimited exploitation rights<\/h3>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">Spain&#8217;s <a style=\"color:#000;font-weight:700;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-color:#797979;text-underline-offset:4px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.boe.es\/eli\/es\/rdlg\/1996\/04\/12\/1\/con\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Intellectual Property Act<\/a> distinguishes reproduction, distribution, public communication and transformation rights. It is not advisable to assign &#8220;all rights&#8221; without defining purpose, scope and consideration.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">In current publishing projects, this delimitation should cover ebook, audiobook, podcast, audiovisual adaptation, merchandising, translations, international licences and promotional uses. For authors, agents and publishers, the question is both legal and economic.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"margin:30px 0 12px;color:#000;font-family:Raleway,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:clamp(18px,4.6vw,22px);line-height:1.25;font-weight:800;\">3. Digital and audiovisual formats covered<\/h3>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">A work may be exploited in print, ebooks, audiobooks, podcasts, newsletters, educational platforms and audiovisual adaptations. In 2026, each format should have its own rules on remuneration, control, duration and authorisation.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"margin:30px 0 12px;color:#000;font-family:Raleway,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:clamp(18px,4.6vw,22px);line-height:1.25;font-weight:800;\">4. Author image and promotion rights<\/h3>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">Editorial promotion may involve the author&#8217;s image, interviews, events, digital campaigns, videos, brand collaborations and social media materials. Promotional use should not be understood as unlimited unless the author has agreed to it clearly.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"margin:30px 0 12px;color:#000;font-family:Raleway,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:clamp(18px,4.6vw,22px);line-height:1.25;font-weight:800;\">5. Transparent royalty accounting<\/h3>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">Royalty statements are one of the most sensitive areas. They should specify frequency, minimum information, sales channels, returns, discounts, international sales and review rights. Opaque statements erode trust and make later claims harder.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"margin:30px 0 12px;color:#000;font-family:Raleway,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:clamp(18px,4.6vw,22px);line-height:1.25;font-weight:800;\">6. Deposit and distribution with financial control<\/h3>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">When a publisher delivers copies to distributors, it gives up operational control over part of its asset. Deposit and distribution contracts should regulate inventory, damage, returns, insurance, reporting deadlines and liability for non-payment.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"margin:30px 0 12px;color:#000;font-family:Raleway,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:clamp(18px,4.6vw,22px);line-height:1.25;font-weight:800;\">7. Taxation of advances and author rights<\/h3>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">Advances, royalties and assignments may have different tax treatments depending on who receives payment, where they reside and which right is exploited. This is why editorial law often needs to be coordinated with <a style=\"color:#000;font-weight:700;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-color:#797979;text-underline-offset:4px;\" href=\"https:\/\/graciacalbet.com\/servicios\/fiscal\/\">tax advice<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"margin:30px 0 12px;color:#000;font-family:Raleway,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:clamp(18px,4.6vw,22px);line-height:1.25;font-weight:800;\">8. International exploitation and double taxation<\/h3>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">A catalogue that crosses borders requires review of territory, language, translations, sublicences, platforms, withholding taxes and double taxation treaties. International exploitation can multiply income, but also conflicts if the contract does not define who may negotiate and collect each licence.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"margin:30px 0 12px;color:#000;font-family:Raleway,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:clamp(18px,4.6vw,22px);line-height:1.25;font-weight:800;\">9. Measures against plagiarism or piracy<\/h3>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">When damage is fast, the response must also be fast. Removing copies, blocking unauthorised uses or claiming non-payment requires evidence, traceability and procedural strategy. The <a style=\"color:#000;font-weight:700;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-color:#797979;text-underline-offset:4px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wipo.int\/copyright\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">World Intellectual Property Organization<\/a> provides institutional context on copyright protection across jurisdictions.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"margin:30px 0 12px;color:#000;font-family:Raleway,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:clamp(18px,4.6vw,22px);line-height:1.25;font-weight:800;\">10. Integrated strategy for publishing catalogues<\/h3>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">A publishing catalogue is not protected through one isolated contract. Rights, tax, distribution, image, litigation, succession of rights and economic value should be reviewed as a system: what assets exist, who controls them, how they generate income and what evidence is available to defend them.<\/p>\n<div style=\"margin:24px 0;padding:20px 22px;background:#f3f3f3;border:1px solid #e6e6e6;border-left:2px solid #000;\">\n<p style=\"margin:0;color:#2b2b2b;\"><strong style=\"color:#000;font-weight:800;\">Prudent note:<\/strong> the scope of an editorial assignment depends on contract, work, territory, format, remuneration and real exploitation. Before signing, renegotiating or claiming, the documents and available evidence should be reviewed.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"publishing-contract-documents\" style=\"margin:clamp(48px,9vw,68px) 0 20px;padding-top:20px;border-top:1px solid #000;color:#000;font-family:PlayfairDisplay,Georgia,serif;font-size:clamp(27px,5.8vw,42px);line-height:1.04;font-weight:600;\">Documents to review before signing<\/h2>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">Before signing, the contract should be reviewed through both a legal and economic lens. A good publishing contract does not only avoid disputes; it also allows the work to be exploited better. If the agreement is unclear, the author does not know what has been assigned and the publisher does not know how far it may go.<\/p>\n<div style=\"overflow-x:auto;margin:24px 0;border:1px solid #e6e6e6;\">\n<table style=\"width:100%;min-width:760px;border-collapse:collapse;background:#fff;\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"padding:14px;background:#000;color:#fff;text-align:left;font-weight:800;border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;\">Document or clause<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding:14px;background:#000;color:#fff;text-align:left;font-weight:800;border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;\">What it should clarify<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding:14px;background:#000;color:#fff;text-align:left;font-weight:800;border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;\">Risk if missing<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:14px;border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;vertical-align:top;\"><strong style=\"color:#000;font-weight:800;\">Identification of the work<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:14px;border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;vertical-align:top;\">Title, authorship, versions, included materials and final work.<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:14px;border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;vertical-align:top;\">Disputes about what may be exploited or whether a version is excluded.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:14px;border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;vertical-align:top;\"><strong style=\"color:#000;font-weight:800;\">Assigned rights<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:14px;border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;vertical-align:top;\">Reproduction, distribution, public communication, transformation and reserved rights.<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:14px;border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;vertical-align:top;\">Unauthorised exploitation or excessive assignments without remuneration.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:14px;border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;vertical-align:top;\"><strong style=\"color:#000;font-weight:800;\">Territory, language and duration<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:14px;border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;vertical-align:top;\">Where, in which languages and for how long the work may be exploited.<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:14px;border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;vertical-align:top;\">Blocking international rights or preventing reversion.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:14px;vertical-align:top;\"><strong style=\"color:#000;font-weight:800;\">Remuneration and royalties<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:14px;vertical-align:top;\">Advance, percentages, calculation basis, discounts, returns and frequency.<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:14px;vertical-align:top;\">Opaque statements, non-payment or disputes about real sales.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<div style=\"margin:24px 0;padding:22px;background:#ffffff;border:1px solid #e6e6e6;\">\n<h3 style=\"margin:0 0 12px;color:#000;font-family:Raleway,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:clamp(20px,5.2vw,23px);line-height:1.25;font-weight:800;\">Checklist before signing a publishing contract<\/h3>\n<ul style=\"margin:0 0 0 22px;padding:0;\">\n<li style=\"margin:0 0 7px;\"><strong style=\"color:#000;font-weight:800;\">Work:<\/strong> exact identification and included versions.<\/li>\n<li style=\"margin:0 0 7px;\"><strong style=\"color:#000;font-weight:800;\">Rights:<\/strong> assigned rights, reserved rights and promotional uses.<\/li>\n<li style=\"margin:0 0 7px;\"><strong style=\"color:#000;font-weight:800;\">Scope:<\/strong> territory, language, duration and exclusivity.<\/li>\n<li style=\"margin:0 0 7px;\"><strong style=\"color:#000;font-weight:800;\">Formats:<\/strong> print, ebook, audiobook, podcast, audiovisual and derivatives.<\/li>\n<li style=\"margin:0 0 7px;\"><strong style=\"color:#000;font-weight:800;\">Economics:<\/strong> advance, percentages, calculation basis, returns and statements.<\/li>\n<li style=\"margin:0;\"><strong style=\"color:#000;font-weight:800;\">Exit:<\/strong> reversion of rights if the work is not published, exploited or the agreement is breached.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"protect-publishing-catalogue\" style=\"margin:clamp(48px,9vw,68px) 0 20px;padding-top:20px;border-top:1px solid #000;color:#000;font-family:PlayfairDisplay,Georgia,serif;font-size:clamp(27px,5.8vw,42px);line-height:1.04;font-weight:600;\">How to protect a publishing catalogue<\/h2>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">The catalogue is an asset. In a publishing business, value does not lie only in each book, but in the set of contracts, authors, rights, translations, licences, metadata and commercial relationships that allow the work to be exploited over time.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">Protection should be layered: contractual, documentary, economic, digital, international and defensive. In acquisitions, cultural investment or business succession, the value of a catalogue often depends on proving who holds each right.<\/p>\n<div style=\"overflow-x:auto;margin:24px 0;border:1px solid #e6e6e6;\">\n<table style=\"width:100%;min-width:760px;border-collapse:collapse;background:#fff;\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"padding:14px;background:#000;color:#fff;text-align:left;font-weight:800;border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;\">Layer<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding:14px;background:#000;color:#fff;text-align:left;font-weight:800;border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;\">What to review<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding:14px;background:#000;color:#fff;text-align:left;font-weight:800;border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;\">Desired result<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:14px;border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;vertical-align:top;\"><strong style=\"color:#000;font-weight:800;\">Contractual<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:14px;border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;vertical-align:top;\">Old contracts, annexes, assignments, sublicences and rights reversions.<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:14px;border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;vertical-align:top;\">Know what can be exploited and what must be renegotiated.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:14px;border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;vertical-align:top;\"><strong style=\"color:#000;font-weight:800;\">Documentary<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:14px;border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;vertical-align:top;\">Originals, versions, registrations, authorisations, communications and statements.<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:14px;border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;vertical-align:top;\">Have fast evidence to negotiate, sell or claim.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:14px;border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;vertical-align:top;\"><strong style=\"color:#000;font-weight:800;\">Economic<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:14px;border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;vertical-align:top;\">Sales, returns, discounts, royalties, non-payment and margin by channel.<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:14px;border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;vertical-align:top;\">Understand real catalogue value and detect leaks.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:14px;vertical-align:top;\"><strong style=\"color:#000;font-weight:800;\">Defensive<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:14px;vertical-align:top;\">Proof of ownership, plagiarism, piracy, breaches and takedown strategy.<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:14px;vertical-align:top;\">Respond quickly if damage or unauthorised use appears.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"author-publisher-risks\" style=\"margin:clamp(48px,9vw,68px) 0 20px;padding-top:20px;border-top:1px solid #000;color:#000;font-family:PlayfairDisplay,Georgia,serif;font-size:clamp(27px,5.8vw,42px);line-height:1.04;font-weight:600;\">Frequent risks for authors and publishers<\/h2>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">For authors, the most common risk is assigning too much, too early, for too long and with little information about sales. Option clauses over future works can also limit creative and economic freedom for years.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">For publishers, the risk is exploiting rights without enough contractual basis, failing to control distributor statements or publishing works with incomplete permissions. A photograph, translation, foreword, illustration or extensive quote may create liability if authorisation was not obtained correctly.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">For literary agencies and representatives, traceability is critical: who negotiates, who collects, what commission applies, what information the author receives and what authority the agent has to close deals. The more international the exploitation, the more important written evidence becomes.<\/p>\n<div style=\"position:relative;margin:clamp(28px,6vw,42px) 0;padding:clamp(22px,5vw,34px);background:#f3f3f3;border-top:1px solid #000;border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;\">\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(min(100%,260px),1fr));gap:18px 28px;align-items:center;\">\n<div>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 8px;color:#797979;font-size:13px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:.16em;text-transform:uppercase;\">Preventive review<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0;color:#000;font-family:PlayfairDisplay,Georgia,serif;font-size:clamp(25px,5.4vw,36px);line-height:1.04;font-weight:600;\">Does the contract allow the business to exploit what it needs?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;color:#2b2b2b;line-height:1.62;\">Before signing, publishing, sublicensing or claiming, rights, evidence, statements and tax treatment should be reviewed together.<\/p>\n<p style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:10px;margin:0;\">\n          <a style=\"display:inline-block;padding:13px 20px;background:#000;color:#fff;border:1px solid #000;font-weight:800;line-height:1;text-decoration:none;\" href=\"https:\/\/graciacalbet.com\/contacto\/\">Review a contract<\/a><br \/>\n          <a style=\"display:inline-block;padding:13px 20px;background:#fff;color:#000;border:1px solid #000;font-weight:800;line-height:1;text-decoration:none;\" href=\"https:\/\/graciacalbet.com\/servicios\/especialidad\/propiedad-intelectual-y-derecho-editorial\/\">Editorial law<\/a>\n        <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"tax-author-rights\" style=\"margin:clamp(48px,9vw,68px) 0 20px;padding-top:20px;border-top:1px solid #000;color:#000;font-family:PlayfairDisplay,Georgia,serif;font-size:clamp(27px,5.8vw,42px);line-height:1.04;font-weight:600;\">Taxation of advances, royalties and author rights<\/h2>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">Taxation of author rights should be analysed carefully because it may vary depending on who receives payment, what is transferred and where the payer is resident. An individual author is not the same as a company, a domestic assignment is not the same as an international licence, and an advance is not the same as recurring royalties.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">The contract, invoice and tax return should be coherent. If the contract speaks of royalties but the invoice describes generic services, inconsistencies may arise. If there is withholding in another country, the double taxation treaty and documentation should be reviewed.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">Proper editorial law work does not end at signature. It continues throughout the life of the work, with each edition, adaptation, translation, platform and statement.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"review-publishing-contract\" style=\"margin:clamp(48px,9vw,68px) 0 20px;padding-top:20px;border-top:1px solid #000;color:#000;font-family:PlayfairDisplay,Georgia,serif;font-size:clamp(27px,5.8vw,42px);line-height:1.04;font-weight:600;\">Signs that a publishing contract should be reviewed<\/h2>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">Some contracts work for years without conflict, but they should be reviewed when exploitation changes. Clear warning signs include new formats, missing statements, international sale of the catalogue, an audiovisual proposal, a major reissue or a new distributor.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">Review is also advisable when the author does not know whether rights can revert, when the publisher is unsure whether it may sublicense or when statements do not explain sales, discounts and returns. Early review can avoid litigation and support renegotiation with data.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">If the work has particular value, registration with the Spanish <a style=\"color:#000;font-weight:700;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-color:#797979;text-underline-offset:4px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cultura.gob.es\/cultura\/areas\/propiedadintelectual\/mc\/rpi\/inicio.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Intellectual Property Registry<\/a> can help reinforce evidence of authorship and ownership. Collective management organisations such as <a style=\"color:#000;font-weight:700;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-color:#797979;text-underline-offset:4px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cedro.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CEDRO<\/a> may also be relevant for authors and publishers.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"graciacalbet-editorial-law\" style=\"margin:clamp(48px,9vw,68px) 0 20px;padding-top:20px;border-top:1px solid #000;color:#000;font-family:PlayfairDisplay,Georgia,serif;font-size:clamp(27px,5.8vw,42px);line-height:1.04;font-weight:600;\">How GraciaCalbet can help<\/h2>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">At GraciaCalbet we advise publishers, authors, agents, media groups, creators and businesses with content catalogues in <a style=\"color:#000;font-weight:700;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-color:#797979;text-underline-offset:4px;\" href=\"https:\/\/graciacalbet.com\/servicios\/especialidad\/propiedad-intelectual-y-derecho-editorial\/\">intellectual property and editorial law<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px;\">We can help review publishing contracts and rights assignments, negotiate royalties, advances and statements, protect image rights and digital exploitation, organise taxation of author rights and prepare claims for plagiarism, non-payment or unauthorised exploitation. When the project has corporate or tax impact, we coordinate the analysis with our <a style=\"color:#000;font-weight:700;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-color:#797979;text-underline-offset:4px;\" href=\"https:\/\/graciacalbet.com\/servicios\/mercantil-y-societario\/\">commercial and corporate<\/a> and tax teams.<\/p>\n<div style=\"position:relative;margin:clamp(28px,6vw,44px) 0;padding:clamp(26px,6vw,42px);background:#000;color:#fff;overflow:hidden;\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" style=\"position:absolute;right:-6%;bottom:-18%;width:min(520px,82vw);max-width:none;opacity:.12;\" src=\"https:\/\/graciacalbet.com\/images\/graciacalbet-logo-transparent-alt.svg\" alt=\"\"><\/p>\n<div style=\"position:relative;z-index:1;display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(min(100%,280px),1fr));gap:clamp(18px,5vw,34px);align-items:end;\">\n<div>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 10px;color:#fff;font-size:13px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:.16em;text-transform:uppercase;\">GRACIACALBET<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0;color:#fff;font-family:PlayfairDisplay,Georgia,serif;font-size:clamp(28px,6vw,44px);line-height:1.02;font-weight:600;\">Legal review for publishing contracts and catalogues<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 18px;color:#f3f3f3;line-height:1.62;\">If you need to review a contract, statement or catalogue exploitation before signing or claiming, rights, tax and evidence should be analysed from the start.<\/p>\n<p style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:10px;margin:0;\">\n          <a style=\"display:inline-block;padding:13px 20px;background:#ffffff;color:#000;border:1px solid #ffffff;font-weight:800;line-height:1;text-decoration:none;\" href=\"https:\/\/graciacalbet.com\/contacto\/\">Request a consultation<\/a><br \/>\n          <a style=\"display:inline-block;padding:13px 20px;background:transparent;color:#fff;border:1px solid #ffffff;font-weight:800;line-height:1;text-decoration:none;\" href=\"https:\/\/graciacalbet.com\/servicios\/especialidad\/propiedad-intelectual-y-derecho-editorial\/\">View editorial law<\/a>\n        <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"frequently-asked-questions\" style=\"margin:clamp(48px,9vw,68px) 0 20px;padding-top:20px;border-top:1px solid #000;color:#000;font-family:PlayfairDisplay,Georgia,serif;font-size:clamp(27px,5.8vw,42px);line-height:1.04;font-weight:600;\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/h2>\n<div style=\"margin:0 0 clamp(32px,7vw,48px);border-top:1px solid #000;\">\n<details style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;\">\n<summary style=\"cursor:pointer;list-style:none;padding:18px 0;color:#000;font-family:Raleway,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:clamp(17px,4.4vw,21px);line-height:1.25;font-weight:800;\"><span style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;gap:18px;\"><span>What should a publishing contract include?<\/span><span aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"flex:0 0 auto;display:inline-flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;width:28px;height:28px;border:1px solid #000;color:#000;font-size:20px;line-height:1;font-weight:400;\">+<\/span><\/span><\/summary>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 18px;color:#2b2b2b;line-height:1.68;\">It should include the work, assigned rights, territory, duration, formats, remuneration, publication deadlines, royalty statements, print runs, sales control and termination causes. It should also cover ebook, audiobook, podcast, translations and audiovisual uses if they may exist.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;\">\n<summary style=\"cursor:pointer;list-style:none;padding:18px 0;color:#000;font-family:Raleway,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:clamp(17px,4.4vw,21px);line-height:1.25;font-weight:800;\"><span style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;gap:18px;\"><span>Should an author assign all rights?<\/span><span aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"flex:0 0 auto;display:inline-flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;width:28px;height:28px;border:1px solid #000;color:#000;font-size:20px;line-height:1;font-weight:400;\">+<\/span><\/span><\/summary>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 18px;color:#2b2b2b;line-height:1.68;\">Not necessarily. An author should assign only the rights needed for the project and with coherent consideration. Assigning all rights, for all territories and formats, without a time limit or clear remuneration can leave future exploitation without control.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;\">\n<summary style=\"cursor:pointer;list-style:none;padding:18px 0;color:#000;font-family:Raleway,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:clamp(17px,4.4vw,21px);line-height:1.25;font-weight:800;\"><span style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;gap:18px;\"><span>How are unpaid royalties claimed?<\/span><span aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"flex:0 0 auto;display:inline-flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;width:28px;height:28px;border:1px solid #000;color:#000;font-size:20px;line-height:1;font-weight:400;\">+<\/span><\/span><\/summary>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 18px;color:#2b2b2b;line-height:1.68;\">First, the contract, statements, sales, distribution channels and information duties should be reviewed. Then payment may be requested, sales documentation demanded and a court claim assessed. The strategy depends on the contract and the real damage.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;\">\n<summary style=\"cursor:pointer;list-style:none;padding:18px 0;color:#000;font-family:Raleway,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:clamp(17px,4.4vw,21px);line-height:1.25;font-weight:800;\"><span style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;gap:18px;\"><span>Does editorial law affect digital content businesses?<\/span><span aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"flex:0 0 auto;display:inline-flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;width:28px;height:28px;border:1px solid #000;color:#000;font-size:20px;line-height:1;font-weight:400;\">+<\/span><\/span><\/summary>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 18px;color:#2b2b2b;line-height:1.68;\">Yes. It also affects podcasts, newsletters, courses, ebooks, platforms, paid communities and creators who exploit their own or third-party content. They need clear contracts on ownership, assignment, remuneration, image rights and use of materials.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;\">\n<summary style=\"cursor:pointer;list-style:none;padding:18px 0;color:#000;font-family:Raleway,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:clamp(17px,4.4vw,21px);line-height:1.25;font-weight:800;\"><span style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;gap:18px;\"><span>When is it useful to register a work?<\/span><span aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"flex:0 0 auto;display:inline-flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;width:28px;height:28px;border:1px solid #000;color:#000;font-size:20px;line-height:1;font-weight:400;\">+<\/span><\/span><\/summary>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 18px;color:#2b2b2b;line-height:1.68;\">Registration can be useful when the work has economic value, there is risk of conflict, licences will be negotiated or evidence of authorship and ownership should be reinforced. Registration does not replace a well-drafted contract, but it can help organise evidence.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6;\">\n<summary style=\"cursor:pointer;list-style:none;padding:18px 0;color:#000;font-family:Raleway,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:clamp(17px,4.4vw,21px);line-height:1.25;font-weight:800;\"><span style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;gap:18px;\"><span>Does GraciaCalbet advise authors and publishers?<\/span><span aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"flex:0 0 auto;display:inline-flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;width:28px;height:28px;border:1px solid #000;color:#000;font-size:20px;line-height:1;font-weight:400;\">+<\/span><\/span><\/summary>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 18px;color:#2b2b2b;line-height:1.68;\">Yes. GraciaCalbet advises authors, creators, publishers, agencies, media groups and businesses with content catalogues. Seeing both sides helps anticipate risks and negotiate with more realism before signing, during exploitation or once a dispute exists.<\/p>\n<\/details><\/div>\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A guide to editorial law for authors, publishers, literary agents and content businesses that need to review contracts, rights, royalties, international tax and catalogue protection.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1355,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[399],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5584","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-propiedad-intelectual"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/graciacalbet.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5584","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/graciacalbet.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/graciacalbet.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/graciacalbet.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/graciacalbet.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5584"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/graciacalbet.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5584\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/graciacalbet.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1355"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/graciacalbet.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5584"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/graciacalbet.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5584"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/graciacalbet.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5584"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}