Locating Rights Holders

Nielsen Book Data 

Useful for searching titles and ISBNs for current rights holder information.

Subscription and login required for access. 

ISBN.org

Their ISBN converter is useful for converting ISBN-10 to ISBN-13.  

Crossref

Crossref is useful for finding the source publication for DOIs and tracking down publisher of academic articles.

PLSclear

Search for book, journal, magazine, and online content via PLSclear and submit permission requests to publishers without needing to know a rights contact at the organisation.

WATCH File

Writers Artists and Their Copyright Holders is a database of copyright contacts for writers, artists, and prominent figures in other creative fields. 

Society of Authors Members Database 

A public database of author and translators who are members of the Society of Authors (SOA) that can be searched by surname, keyword or subject area. While not all members are included, many have public contact details for press or enquiries. 

Orphan Works

Information from the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) regarding Orphan Works licences for titles that are still in copyright but the rights holder is unknown or cannot be traced. 

Due Diligence Checklist for Orphan Works Licence Applications

The IPO's Due Diligence Checklist offers guidance and a list of resources and organisations that can help track down rights holders for works still in copyright. The checklist must be completed before you apply for an Orphan Works Licence.