Contract Glossary
Copyright Assignment
Definition
A legal transfer of copyright ownership from the creator to another person or entity. Once assigned, the new owner controls the work, they can reproduce it, modify it, license it, or sell it. The original creator gives up all rights.
In Practice
You hire a graphic designer to create your company logo. Without a copyright assignment clause, the designer technically owns the copyright, even though you paid for it. A proper assignment clause transfers full ownership to you. This is different from a license, which only gives you permission to use the work without transferring ownership.
Common in these contract types
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