The flowcharts are designed to help editors follow COPE’s Code of Conduct and implement its advice when faced with cases of suspected misconduct. They can be downloaded individually or as a complete set.
If you want to use the flowcharts on your website or in a publication
The flowcharts are the copyright of COPE but we allow their reuse with appropriate accreditation for no charge. To apply for permission to reuse the flowcharts, contact the Administrator here.
The complete set of 17 is here (Download PDF, 476 kb).
Translations
Some or all of the flowcharts have been, or are the process of being, translated by COPE members into: Croatian, Japanese, Korean,Turkish, Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, French, Chinese and Persian (14 flowcharts) are now available here on the website.
We are currently reformatting the remaining translated versions but if you would like a PDF, please contact the COPE Administrator. We are always looking for new translations. If you are able translate the flowcharts into a language not yet represented, please contact the Administrator here.
Individual flowcharts
What to do if you suspect redundant (duplicate) publication
Suspected redundant publication in a submitted manuscript (Download PDF, 60 kb)
Suspected redundant publication in a published article (Download PDF, 84 kb)
What to do if you suspect plagiarism
Suspected plagiarism in a submitted manuscript (Download PDF, 80 kb)
Suspected plagiarism in a published article (Download PDF, 76 kb)
What to do if you suspect fabricated data
Suspected fabricated data in a submitted manuscript (Download PDF [84kb], revised May 2011)
Suspected fabricated data in a published article (Download PDF [84kb], revised May 2011)
Changes in authorship
Corresponding author requests addition of extra author before publication (Download PDF, 52 kb)
Corresponding author requests removal of author before publication (Download PDF, 52 kb)
Request for addition of extra author after publication (Download PDF, 60 kb)
Request for removal of author after publication (Download PDF, 68 kb)
Suspected guest, ghost or gift authorship (Download PDF, 76 kb)
Advice on how to spot authorship problems (Download PDF, 64 kb)
What to do if a reviewer suspects undisclosed conflict of interest (CoI) in a submitted manuscript
(Download PDF, 56 kb)
What to do if a reader suspects undisclosed conflict of interest (CoI) in a published article
(Download PDF, 56 kb)
What to do if you suspect an ethical problem with a submitted manuscript
(Download PDF, 68 kb)
What to do if you suspect a reviewer has appropriated an author’s idea or data
(Download PDF, 88 kb)
How COPE handles complaints against editors
(Download PDF [68kb], revised 17 July 2012)