Does Roddenberry Still Own Star Trek? The Surprising Truth

Gene Roddenberry, the visionary creator of Star Trek, retained a “created by” credit for the franchise, but he did not retain ownership of the rights after selling his initial stake. This is a common practice in the entertainment industry, particularly for television series.

While Roddenberry’s involvement in the franchise continued in various capacities, including consulting and story development, the financial and creative control eventually shifted to other companies. In 1987, Paramount Pictures, which had been producing the Star Trek series since the 1960s, acquired the full rights to the franchise. This acquisition secured Paramount’s control over the Star Trek universe, encompassing all television shows, movies, and related merchandise.

The “created by” credit is a customary acknowledgement of the originator’s contribution. It is an important recognition, particularly for a work of such significance and influence as Star Trek.