Participation in centrally agreed licences, for example with regard to photocopying or digitisation, can also simplify reuse by the academic and other communities. Publishers have a moral responsibility to protect their authors' work from misappropriation or distortion by others and to act against any infringements irrespective of copyright ownership. Both misappropriation and distortion can be made easier by electronic delivery, and publishers need to be clear in their licences about what is and is not permitted, and vigilant in detecting and ending any abuse. Technical protection, such as encryption or digital watermarks, may sometimes be appropriate. The relationship between author and publisher is a partnership.
Authors gain profile, reputation and dissemination of their work.
Publishers enhance academic communication and seek to make a return on their investment in the process. They also serve libraries and readers. Everyone stands to benefit from the creative value which publishers add to authors' work.