A neutral-form agreement assigning (transferring ownership of) copyright from an Assignor to an Assignee, governed by the law of England & Wales and the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
How to use this template - Replace every
[SQUARE-BRACKET]field before use, and list the works in the Schedule. - Formalities: an assignment of copyright must be in writing and signed by or on behalf of the Assignor (CDPA 1988, s 90). You can also assign future copyright in works not yet created (s 91). - If no payment is being made, execute this as a deed so it is binding (see the execution block). - Consider a waiver of moral rights (clause 4), moral rights cannot be assigned, but they can be waived. - Have a solicitor review before use.
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THIS ASSIGNMENT is made [as a deed] on [DATE]
BETWEEN (1) [ASSIGNOR NAME] of [ADDRESS] (the "Assignor"); and (2) [ASSIGNEE NAME] of [ADDRESS] (the "Assignee").
Agreed terms
1. Definitions. "Works" means the copyright works listed in the Schedule. "Rights" means all copyright and related rights in the Works, in all media and formats, for the full term of those rights anywhere in the world, including the right to sue for past infringements.
2. Assignment. The Assignor assigns to the Assignee absolutely, with full title guarantee, all of the Rights in the Works, including (so far as the law allows) any future copyright in works created by the Assignor under [PROJECT/ENGAGEMENT].
3. Consideration. [In consideration of £[AMOUNT], receipt of which the Assignor acknowledges / This assignment is made by way of gift and executed as a deed.]
4. Warranties and moral rights. The Assignor warrants that it is the sole owner of the Rights, free from third-party claims, and that exploiting the Works does not, so far as it is aware, infringe any third party's rights. To the extent permitted by law, the Assignor waives all moral rights in the Works.
5. Further assurance. The Assignor will, at the Assignee's request and cost, do all things and sign all documents reasonably needed to give the Assignee full title to the Rights and to record this assignment.
6. Governing law and jurisdiction. This assignment is governed by the law of England and Wales, whose courts have exclusive jurisdiction.
Execution
Signed as a simple contract (consideration paid): Signed by [ASSIGNOR NAME]: __________________ Date: [DATE]
Executed as a deed (recommended where no payment is made): Executed as a deed by [ASSIGNOR NAME] in the presence of: Signature: __________________ Witness: [NAME / ADDRESS] Date: [DATE]
Schedule, The Works (describe each work; for software include version/repository; for designs include references)
--- This template is a starting point and not legal advice. Copyright assignments must meet formality requirements, have a qualified solicitor review and adapt it before use. Governing law: England & Wales.