Copyright Assignments

When you hold a copyright, you possess a bundle of exclusive rights to your original work. Assignments and transfers allow you to hand over some or all of these rights to another party.

The transfer of these rights can be temporary, through a license, or permanent, through an assignment.

An Assignment is a complete transfer of the copyright owner’s rights, title, and interest in a copyrighted work.

• Once assigned, the original owner no longer has rights over that work.

A Transfer is a broader term that encompasses assignments but can also refer to other types of transfers such as licenses.

• Licenses grant others permission to use the copyrighted work in specific ways, but the original owner retains overall rights.

Why Should You Assign or Transfer Your Copyright?

• Monetization: By licensing your work, you can earn royalties or a one-time fee.
• Collaboration: Allow others to adapt or build upon your work for new creations.
• Estate Planning: Transfer rights to heirs or entities as part of your assets.

Important Considerations about Assigning or Transferring Copyright Ownership:

1. Draft Clear Agreements: It’s essential to clearly outline terms in any agreement, whether it’s an assignment or a license. This prevents misunderstandings and protects your interests.
2. Due Diligence: Before transferring rights, understand the value of your copyright and the reputation of the entity you’re transferring rights to.
3. Recordation: Once an assignment is agreed upon, it’s advisable to record it with the U.S. Copyright Office. This provides public notice of the transfer.

Assigning or transferring copyright rights is a significant decision and can help you gain the most out of your intellectual property assets.