Legal Definitions - right of disclosure

The right of disclosure, also known as publication right, is a copyright law term that refers to an author or artist's right to decide when to reveal or display their creative work.

This right is recognized in civil-law countries and much of Europe, but it is largely unavailable in the United States.

For example, if a painter creates a new artwork, they have the right to decide when and where to display it. They can choose to keep it private or reveal it to the public at a later time.

Similarly, a writer has the right to decide when to publish their book or article. They can choose to keep it unpublished or release it to the public at a later time.

These examples illustrate how the right of disclosure gives creators control over their work and allows them to decide how and when it is shared with others.