Copyright Assignment

If you own a copyright, you may want to transfer it to another party, usually for financial compensation. You first need to define the limits of use for your copyrighted property. A voluntary transfer of copyrighted property is not permitted without a document signed by the owner.

By executing the Copyright Assignment, the prior owner (assignor) transfers their rights to the new owner (assignee). After signing and verifying the document, the assignee is the sole owner of the copyrighted property. The new owner can license it or transfer the ownership to someone else.

What Is a Copyright Assignment?

A Copyright Assignment is used by a copyright owner to transfer that ownership to another subject. By signing this document, the owner gives up their copyrighted property and is compensated for it, as defined in the contract.

Copyright Assignments are common in the music industry, for instance. An artist would transfer the ownership of musical pieces to a record company with more resources to promote and sell it. In return, the artist, as the assignor, may receive a share of the profits. However, the album becomes the property of the record company.

Other Names for Copyright Assignment

Depending on your state, a Copyright Assignment may also be known as:

• Assignment of Copyright Ownership

• Transfer of Copyright Ownership

• Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement

• Assignment of Intellectual Property Rights

Who Needs a Copyright Assignment

Owners of a copyrighted property need a Copyright Assignment to transfer the rights to another party. A Copyright Assignment is mostly used in these cases:

• The owner of the copyright changes their name.

• The owner entity changes its business name.

• An asset passed on to heirs.

• If the company is sold with its copyrights.

• After a bankruptcy, as part of the distribution of assets.

• As debt security.

Why Use Swyft Forms for Your Copyright Assignment

Customized for you, by you

Create your own documents by answering our easy-to-understand questionnaires to get exactly what you need out of your Copyright Assignment.

Specific to your Jurisdiction

Laws vary by location. Each document on Swyft Forms is customized for your state.

How to Create a Copyright Assignment with Swyft Forms

Your Copyright Assignment needs to be carefully created to allow the legal transfer of ownership. Both parties must have their obligations and rights defined. Rather than risking an incomplete contract, you can rely on Swyft Forms.

Let Swyft Forms help with our extensive library of attorney-vetted legal forms. The process is fast and easy. All you have to do is fill out our easy-to-understand questionnaire. Once complete, simply download your form as a PDF or Word document from your secure online account.

What Information Will I Need to Create My Copyright Assignment

To create your document, please provide:

• Assignor information: Full name and address of the copyright owner. Select if the owner is a business or an individual.

• Person of authority information (optional): Name and title of the person authorized to sign this document.

• Name of the copyrighted property: The official name of the copyrighted ownership.

• Assignee information: Name and address of the recipient of the copyright.

• Date: Define when the Copyright Assignment goes into effect.

• Select the state: Choose the state’s law to apply in case of a dispute. Also, select the state and county where the agreement is to be signed.

Copyright Assignment Terms

• Assignor: In the context of a Copyright Assignment, this is the copyright owner who is assigning the rights.

• Assignee: The person or entity who receives ownership of the copyrighted material.

• Person of authority: If an entity owns the copyright, an authorized representative would have to sign the Copyright Assignment.

Copyright Assignment Signing Requirements

A Copyright Assignment needs to be signed by the current owner of the copyright (the assignor) and the person or entity receiving that ownership (assignee). If the assignor is an entity, the document is signed by a designated person of authority.

What to Do with Your Copyright Assignment

After signing the document, the assignor and the assignee should keep a copy of the Copyright Assignment. Notarizing the assignment is not required, but it’s recommended for several reasons, including:

• Some states require Copyright Assignments to be recorded.

• The recording may be used to validate the transfer of copyrights.

• The documents become public, and their authenticity can’t be disputed.

• The transfer will appear in the Copyright Office public records.