Curmudgeon just suggested you appeal (here on Mudcat) for the advice of a intellectual property attorney. I think what 'Mudge objects to is the "in perpetuity" part -- they are getting paid every time someone buys the database or pays the yearly fee, but you (or any of the other authors) evidently won't be getting a royalty based on that usage. Standard is first North American rights. After that they should pay every time they use it. In addition, if they're publishing it, no one else will buy it from you (the "non-exclusive" part would be useless).

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Bat Goddess