SigninG a Publishing Contract

Introduction

1. The License

2. Royalty Rates

3. Payment accountability

4. Input on the Final Product

5.  Author Copies

6. Ending the License

7. Return of Rights

8. Dispute Resolution

9.  Limits on Your Behavior

10. Warranties and Indemnities

11. Other boilerplate

Summary Form

TTGDA hopes to work with publishers to improve the quality of the royalty statements that designers receive. Designers often receive reports that are minimal or difficult to parse, which can lead to confusion and distrust. You should receive enough information to be able to understand why your royalties are the amount that they are. Including some requirements in your contract is a start.

PUBLISHER shall maintain complete and accurate books and records relating to its sales of GAME, as well as any licenses it has entered into with respect to GAME. PUBLISHER shall prepare a statement of account every [quarter/ x months], in accordance with its regular accounting practices for all [quarters / x-month periods] during the term of this agreement, and shall send these statements, together with payment of the amount due, and regardless of whether there is a payment due, within [45 days] following the end of the period.

For each product sold by PUBLISHER, statements shall contain data including but not limited to:

• the number of copies sold, by distribution channel;
• the list price and gross revenue for copies sold to each distribution channel; and
• the royalty rate and royalties due.

For each sublicense granted by PUBLISHER, these statements shall contain data including but not limited to:

• the number of copies sold;
• the gross revenue received pursuant to each sublicense granted by PUBLISHER; and
• the royalty rate and royalties due. 
  

Next >