: Can different publishers publish books taking place in the same story universe? I have recently published a sci-fi novel, and I am planning on writing another novel set in the same universe.

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As @Thomo said, the exact answer depends on an author's individual contract with their publisher. In general, however, fiction publishers do not acquire rights to an author's intellectual property.

That practice sometimes occurs in academic settings, though it's strongly discouraged by the Author's Guild:

“CAUTION: Do not allow the publisher to take your copyright or to publish the copyright notice in any name other than yours. Except in very unusual circumstances, this practice is not standard in the industry and harms your economic interests. No reputable publisher should demand that you allow it to do so.”

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