diff --git a/app/Http/Controllers/PublicationController.php b/app/Http/Controllers/PublicationController.php
index f48e1b30..81b052f1 100644
--- a/app/Http/Controllers/PublicationController.php
+++ b/app/Http/Controllers/PublicationController.php
@@ -56,7 +56,7 @@ public function store(Request $request): JsonResource
             'is_open_access' => 'boolean',
         ]);
 
-        if ($validated['is_open_access']) {
+        if (isset($validated['is_open_access']) && $validated['is_open_access']) {
             $validated['embargoed_until'] = null;
         }
 
@@ -114,7 +114,7 @@ public function update(Request $request, Publication $publication): JsonResource
             'is_open_access' => 'boolean',
         ]);
 
-        if ($validated['is_open_access']) {
+        if (isset($validated['is_open_access']) && $validated['is_open_access']) {
             $validated['embargoed_until'] = null;
         }