OWNERSHIP IN MOTION

Copyright Assignments & Transfers

Transferring creative rights through clear, structured and documented arrangements.

A CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP

Transferring Copyright

The work remains. The ownership changes.

A copyright assignment transfers ownership of specified rights from one party to another, whether in whole or in part.

Unlike a licence, which permits use while ownership remains with the rights holder, an assignment transfers ownership of the specified rights.

WHAT CHANGES HANDS

What Can Be Assigned?

01 Full Copyright

Transfer of the entire copyright ownership in the work.

02 Specific Economic Rights

Assignment of particular economic rights while other rights remain with the owner.

03 Partial Interests

Transfer of an agreed share or defined interest in the copyright.

04 Territory-Specific Rights

Rights transferred for specified countries or markets.

05 Work-Specific Rights

Assignments limited to identified works, content or copyright assets.

06 Defined Uses & Exploitation Rights

Where legally permissible, arrangements may address existing rights and rights arising in relation to defined future works.

WHEN OWNERSHIP MOVES

When Copyright Assignments Arise

Creative rights often move with the transactions built around them.

DOCUMENTING THE TRANSFER

Structuring a Copyright Assignment

A copyright assignment should clearly identify the rights being transferred, the parties involved and the extent of the new owner’s entitlement.

Clear documentation creates a clear chain of ownership.

01 Rights & Works

Identifying the copyright works and rights being transferred.

02 Transferor & Transferee

Clearly establishing the parties transferring and acquiring the rights.

03 Scope of Transfer

Defining whether ownership is transferred wholly or only in respect of specified rights.

04 Territory

Establishing the geographic scope of the assignment where relevant.

05 Consideration

Recording the agreed payment or other consideration for the transfer.

06 Effective Date

Defining when ownership of the assigned rights passes to the new owner.

AFTER THE TRANSFER

Recording the Change in Ownership

01 02 03 04

Assignment Document

The executed instrument evidencing the transfer of copyright or specified rights.

Ownership Details

Particulars of the transferor and transferee, and the rights affected by the transfer.

Supporting Documents

Relevant identification, corporate or authorisation documents required for recordal.

Registry Update

Recording the change in ownership with the relevant authority, where applicable.

Frequently Asked, Clearly Answered

01. What is a copyright assignment?

A copyright assignment transfers ownership of specified copyright rights from the existing owner to another party.

02. What is the difference between a copyright assignment and a licence?

An assignment transfers ownership of the assigned rights. A licence generally permits another party to use specified rights while ownership remains with the copyright owner.

03. Can only part of a copyright be assigned?

Depending on the applicable law and the rights involved, an assignment may be structured around specified rights, works, interests or territories rather than the entire copyright.

04. Does a copyright assignment need to be in writing?

Formal requirements vary by jurisdiction. Written documentation is commonly important for establishing the scope, terms and evidence of the transfer.

05. Can copyright in commissioned work be transferred to the client?

Yes, where the applicable ownership position and law permit, rights in commissioned works may be transferred through an appropriate assignment arrangement.

06. Should an assignment be recorded with the copyright authority?

This depends on the jurisdiction and whether a relevant copyright registration or record exists. Where recordal is available or required, updating the ownership record can help maintain a clear chain of title.

Transferring Copyright?

Whether transferring individual creative rights or a broader copyright portfolio, the transaction should leave ownership clearly defined and properly documented.