Authors own the original copyrights to materials they write. Consistent with individual arrangements with authors' employing institutions, authors often transfer some or all of these rights to the publisher when the journal agrees to publish their article. Some publishers may ask authors to transfer copyrights for a manuscript when it is first submitted to a journal for review.

Authors should work with the publisher before any rights are transferred to ensure that all conditions of the NIH Public Access Policy can be met. Authors should avoid signing any agreements with publishers that do not allow the author to comply with the NIH Public Access Policy.

When you submit your manuscript, tell the publisher that your article is subject to the NIH Public Access Policy.

To ensure that you retain your copyright, you should attach an addendum to the agreement you sign with the publisher. You may use the CIC Author's Addendum, which has been approved by the University of Iowa Provost and General Counsel or you may use the NIH-provided example language.

For assistance with copyright, please contact Deputy General Counsel Grainne Martin, 319-335-2742.