OLB's Memorandum, like its briefing in the Court of Appeals, makes much of the fact that Ohio law generally permits the assignment of contracts.
The assignor must agree to assign their rights and duties under the contract to the assignee. The assignee must agree to accept, or "assume," those contractual rights and duties. The other party to the initial contract must consent to the transfer of rights and obligations to the assignee.
An assignment will generally be permitted under the law unless there is an express prohibition against assignment in the underlying contract or lease. Where assignments are permitted, the assignor need not consult the other party to the contract but may merely assign the rights at that time.
Mutual Assent: The contracting parties must have a “meeting of the minds” and have the intent to be bound by the contract and its essential terms. Lawful purpose: The purpose of the contract may not be illegal. For example, a contract to hire a hit-man is not an enforceable contract.
1: Rights under a contract may be freely assigned unless the assignment would materially change the duty of the obligor, or materially increase the burden or risk imposed on the obligor by the contract, or materially impair the obligor's chance of obtaining return performance or reduce the contract's value to the ...