Deirdre Merrill is the Director of Contracts at Chronicle Books LLC in San Francisco, California. One of the most admired and respected independent publishing companies in the U.S., Chronicle Books was founded in 1967 and over the years has developed a reputation for award-winning, innovative books. The company continues to challenge conventional publishing wisdom, setting trends in both subject and format, maintaining a list that includes much admired illustrated books and gift products in design, art, architecture, photography, food, lifestyle, pop culture, and acclaimed children's titles. Chronicle Books' objective is to create and distribute exceptional publishing that's instantly recognizable for its spirit, creativity, and value.
In her work at Chronicle Books over the last 13 years, Ms. Merrill's primary focus has been drafting, negotiating, and maintaining copyright license agreements between the publishing house and authors, photographers, illustrators, and licensors, along with their respective agents and attorneys. More recently, her role has included supervising and participating in the negotiating and securing of digital rights for both backlist and front list titles published by Chronicle Books. In addition she supervises the contracts and permissions department, helps to maintain the company's trademark portfolio, advises the subsidiary rights licensing division and custom publishing departments, and supervises copyright registration for all titles published by Chronicle Books.
Education:
- J.D., University of San Francisco School of Law, 1999
- B.A, Santa Clara University, 1995
Affiliations:
- Member, California State Bar Association, 2000-present
- Member, The Intellectual Property Law Section of the State Bar of California