The government announced a new standard contract aimed at creating a better working environment for web novel authors. The standard contract clarifies provisions related to serialization rights and content usage rights to address the issue of unfair contracts in the web novel market.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Fair Trade Commission announced three types of standard contract drafts for the web novel sector on the 20th. The three types of standard contract drafts include the publishing rights establishment contract, the exclusive electronic publishing rights establishment contract, and the serialization contract.
This contract may be automatically extended for up to one year unless the copyright holder expresses the intention to terminate the contract. The copyright holder may request termination of the contract at any time. In addition, the settlement documents must include sales data and strengthen the rights of the copyright holder, including the right to suspend serialization.
Separate discussions on derivative works are necessary between the copyright holder and the business entity, and the business entity is obligated to negotiate in good faith with the copyright holder regarding this matter.
To promote coexistence in the web novel ecosystem, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is encouraging the use of standard contracts and plans to expand this through related support projects. Additionally, it will continue to seek ways to enhance fairness within the industry by amending the Publishing Culture Industry Promotion Act.
Minister Yoo In-chon stated, “The government will actively support the web novel industry to grow sustainably both domestically and internationally.”