How can I ensure that the journal does not infringe upon my intellectual property rights?

To safeguard your intellectual property rights against potential journal infringement, proactively negotiate publishing agreements to ensure explicit retention of key rights like reuse and derivative works. This is feasible through standard editorial processes. Fundamental principles include thorough review of copyright transfer clauses, opting for licenses over exclusive assignments where feasible, understanding journal policies on self-archiving and embargo periods, consulting institutional guidelines or legal experts, and maintaining clear documentation. Such vigilance prevents unauthorized exploitation and applies universally to scholarly submissions, with precautions against ambiguous contract terms. For implementation: first, assess author agreements for clauses preserving rights; second, negotiate amendments allowing preprint sharing; third, deposit work in repositories under embargo; fourth, utilize Creative Commons licenses. This ensures continued control, supports academic impact, and enhances research dissemination without relinquishing ownership.