Obtaining Publishing Rights

[Ashon]

I was watching some anime the other day, and was struck at how well it could be made into an RPG, specifically a D20 system, I was wondering from the people who have Licensed Rights for Systems, what a general idea of a licensing agreement is going to have in it.

And also how you go about proposing to the IP owner that you are interested in obtaining the license.

Thanks,
Ashon

 

[philreed]

Philip Reed

Part of my day job is tracking down and negotiating licenses. The first step is making sure you have the capital necessary. Is it a still-running anime? Popular? You'll need at least $5,000 before you can really start talking to the IP owner.

I make all of my initial contacts by phone. I find it's easiest to explain to someone what you have in mind when you're talking with them. E-mail can follow that.

You'll need a proposal. This can be anywhere from a page to 100 pages of text detailing what you want to do and how it benifits the IP owner.

As an example, the Hellboy license started with me talking to Mike Mignola. Mike was interested so from there I went to Dark Horse. From first conversation to release that product took almost three years of my time.

 

[Ranger REG]

Is it safe to assume that even afer obtaining the license from someone else, you need to maintain a working relationship with the IP owner, whose interest is to ensure quality control of said properties, correct?

 

[philreed]

Yes.

Is it safe to assume that even afer obtaining the license from someone else, you need to maintain a working relationship with the IP owner, whose interest is to ensure quality control of said properties, correct?

 

[Drawmack]

also you have to gain a lot of control over the PI to release it under the OGC that whole no other restrictions clause is a pretty binding statement.

 

[Ashon]

So, just so I am not going into this blind here are a couple of follow up questions. I have the manuscript about 1/2 done, I don't immediately have the money but it is attainable.

Here are my questions:
What are some standard, expected elements of an IP Liscensing Agreement? What restrictions, what limits I can expect from the IP owner.

What elements does an IP owner look for in a proposal? Are they looking for marketing strategy? Profitibility studies? Publishing plans?

Thanks for any help on this.

 

[philreed]

Wait.

You're working on the manuscript before securing the license? Never a good idea.

You should contact the license holder immediately and find out if a license is even available.

 

[d20Dwarf]

Hey Philip,

Did you get my email?

 

[philreed]

Yes.

Just haven't made it to that one on the list. Huge list today. I'll try and respond tomorrow morning.

That one's going to take some real thinking. I think it's a good idea I just have to do some research.

 

[d20Dwarf]

Thanks a bunch!