What is the primary purpose of NAWS holding intellectual property in trust?

The primary purpose of NAWS holding intellectual property in trust is to ensure the integrity of the fellowship's message. This approach safeguards the core principles and values of the fellowship while allowing for the dissemination of literature that reflects these ideals. By holding intellectual property in trust, NAWS can maintain control over how the messages are communicated and prevent misrepresentation or misuse that could occur if the material were widely accessible without oversight. This protective measure is essential to keep the original intentions of the fellowship intact and to uphold the quality and consistency of the literature that members rely on for support and guidance.

Promoting commercial sales would contrast with the fellowship's altruistic goals, which focus on community support rather than profit. Limiting the distribution of literature directly contradicts the objective of sharing the message, as the literature is intended to reach those who need it. Monetizing literature is also not aligned with the mission of NAWS, which prioritizes accessibility and the spirit of recovery over generating revenue.