Type into Documents Legal Massachusetts Copyright Assignment Forms For Free

Copyright protection extends to all works that are "original" and "fixed" in a tangible form of expression. Traditionally, most people think only works like music, art or books can be copyrighted. But legally speaking, contracts can be subject to copyright protection as well.

You can transfer any or all of these rights as part of a copyright sale. A copyright assignment is the transfer of copyright ownership rights from one party to another. This transfer is not valid unless it is in writing and signed by the owner or its authorized agent.

Though the agreement is a legal document, it does not need to be notarized. However, obtaining notarization for the signatures provides added protection, limiting the risk of a party later claiming a signature was not valid.

In simplest terms, licensing is akin to rental, whereas an assignment operates as an outright sale. A copyright or patent holder who has assigned his rights retains no interest in the intellectual property, just as a person who sells a car no longer has a legal interest in that vehicle.

A transfer of copyright rights is usually either an assignment or a license. An assignment of copyright rights is like the sale of personal property. The original owner sells its rights to a third party, and can no longer exercise control over how the third party uses those rights.

A copyright assignment is the transfer of copyright ownership rights from one party to another. This transfer is not valid unless it is in writing and signed by the owner or its authorized agent. If you want to transfer a right on a non-exclusive basis, a written agreement is usually not required.

The assignment must be done in writing to be valid. Although notarization isn't required, it's a good idea to have someone witness the assignor and assignee signing and dating the agreement. Transfer of ownership usually involves monetary exchange, although that's not a requirement.

Using the Recordation System. The new Recordation System allows users to electronically submit transfers of copyright ownership and other documents pertaining to a copyright for recordation. Use of the Recordation System is optional and is governed by 37 CFR § 201.4(h) and the Special Pilot Program Rules.

Recording a transfer of copyright ownership or other document pertaining to a copyright with the Copyright Office under 17 U.S.C. § 205 is voluntary.