Game Designer Reclaims Rights to Legendary Franchise Without Cost
Austin, Sunday, 11 October 2026.
Leveraging a 35-year legal provision, creator Richard Garriott will regain control of the classic Ultima series from Electronic Arts in 2027, enabling potential new games or re-releases.
Reclaiming a Legacy Through Copyright Law
Famed game designer Richard Garriott has confirmed plans to regain control of the intellectual property rights for the Ultima franchise from Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) by 2027 [3]. This strategic move leverages Section 203 of the US Copyright Act, which allows original creators to terminate past copyright transfers after a specific period [5]. Garriott originally sold Origin Systems, along with the Ultima series, to Electronic Arts in 1992 [3]. Under the statutory provision, the rights revert to the original holder 35 years after the transfer, calculated as 2027 [5].
The reclamation process does not require any monetary payment to the current rights holder [3]. Instead, the original owner simply needs to notify the current rights holder one year before reclaiming the intellectual property [2]. This legal mechanism highlights a broader trend where legacy asset valuation shifts back to original creators within the digital media landscape [1]. Garriott emphasized that no money needs to transfer for this reversion to occur [5].
Notification Timeline and Corporate Response
Garriott initiated the formal reclamation process by contacting Electronic Arts in April 2026 [4]. The publisher acknowledged the request and confirmed it would act in accordance with US copyright law [2]. This notification period is a mandatory requirement, ensuring the current holder has adequate time to prepare for the rights transfer [5]. As of October 2026, the company is negotiating with Garriott regarding any limitations or additional elements to be considered [1].
Electronic Arts has maintained a cooperative stance regarding the legal requirement. Garriott noted that the company responded to his notice by stating, ‘Yeah, we know that’s the law. We will act accordingly’ [5]. This interaction suggests a compliant approach from the publisher despite the loss of copyright control [3]. The official regain of ownership is scheduled to finalize in 2027 [2].
Distinctions Between Copyright and Trademark
It is critical to note that Garriott is regaining copyright, not trademark rights, which remain owned by Electronic Arts [1]. To navigate this distinction, Garriott may utilize alternative titles such as ‘Lord British’s Ultima’ for new installments [5]. Electronic Arts filed new Ultima trademark applications as recently as June 2026, indicating continued interest in the brand identity [5]. Garriott has not yet specified whether he plans to produce re-releases of older titles or develop totally new games [1].
Despite the trademark retention by EA, Garriott asserts control over the future of the product line [3]. He is currently in active discussions with EA to explore potential collaborative projects before the rights fully revert [3]. The designer is considering reuniting with former developers, though the format remains undecided [5]. Fans continue to build projects using the creative DNA of the original games, suggesting sustained market interest [2].