Richard Garriott Eyes Ultima Rights Reclamation by 2027

Richard Garriott, the legendary creator of the Ultima series, is closing in on a breakthrough that could see him reclaim the rights to his iconic franchise as early as next year. In a recent update, Garriott confirmed that he is leveraging a specific US copyright law that allows creators to recover the rights to their properties 35 years after they were sold.

Garriott originally sold his company, Origin Systems, to EA in 1992. Under the 35-year rule, that timeline places the potential return of the rights squarely in 2027. "And so, I have been waiting… finally, the time has come!" Garriott told Inside Games regarding the legal window.

The Challenge of Trademarks

While the copyright reclamation is on track, Garriott noted one significant hurdle: the trademark. Because he will only regain the copyright, he cannot use the Ultima name alone on future products. His solution is straightforward: he intends to release his future projects under the banner of "Lord British’s Ultima."

For those unfamiliar with the history, "Lord British" is Garriott’s long-standing in-game alter ego. The character is perhaps best remembered for a 1997 incident in Ultima Online where the character was famously killed by an assassin—a moment that remains one of the most well-known tales in the history of online gaming.

A Long Dormancy for a Genre Pioneer

The Ultima series is widely considered one of the most influential franchises in the history of PC gaming, helping to define the CRPG genre and paving the way for titles like Baldur’s Gate 3. Its 1997 spinoff, Ultima Online, was equally foundational for the MMO space.

Despite its legacy, the main series has been dormant for over two decades. Following the release of Ultima IX: Ascension in 1999, which received a divisive reception, the brand struggled to maintain momentum. Garriott noted that he has attempted to revive the franchise "every decade or so," only to see interest from the rights owners fade. With this legal shift, however, it appears the creator of the series is finally prepared to take the reins back into his own hands.