Richard Garriott moves to reclaim Ultima copyright from EA

Video game designer Richard Garriott has initiated legal procedures to reclaim the copyright for the 'Ultima' series from Electronic Arts (EA). Garriott is utilizing Section 203 of the U.S. Copyright Act, often referred to as the ‘35-year rule,’ which allows authors to terminate copyright transfers after a certain period.

Since EA acquired Origin Systems in 1992, the official transfer of control is expected to occur in 2027. Garriott has already notified EA of his intentions, and the publisher has reportedly acknowledged the procedure. While the move targets copyrights, it does not include trademark rights, and negotiations are ongoing regarding the specific scope of the rights Garriott can reclaim.

Garriott indicated that regaining control over the series could lead to various outcomes, including the republication of classic titles or the development of new sequels. He is currently in discussions with EA to evaluate potential collaborative projects related to the franchise.