>    Have you seen research contracts that included the requirement to
>      print a rebuttal?  Does/would your institution accept such a clause?
>      If not, what arguments have you used for striking such clauses?
>

My "home" is a private, non-profit research and education institution,
though not degree granting.  We are almost solely supported by outside
grants and contracts, and deal with this problem on a regular basis,
i.e. academic right to publish vs. a sponsor's "rights."  I admit that
I've never seen a clause demanding the right to a rebuttal, but we have
adopted a stance which has served us well.  We send a copy of the ms to
the sponsor when it is submitted for publication review.  The sponsor
usu has 30 d to respond with written comments.  In the case of serious
disagreement the sponsor may request *in writing* that we print a
disclaimer stating that the results and interpretation presented are
solely our views and not necessarily representative of the sponsor's
views.  The timing allows more than sufficient time to incorporate any
changes or additions to the ms before it gets to galley proofs, and
everyone is at least satisfied, if not happy.  I would also add that
only once or twice in 15 years have we been asked to print a
disclaimer.

Bob Gallagher                           xxxxxx@acnatsci.org
Assistant Director
The Academy of Natural Sciences
Benedict Estuarine Research Center