Whilst a copyright does not need to be registered in the UK, creatives such as composers, writers and artists can in some instances assign the copyrights in their works to publishers. The assignment/ transfer of copyrighted works can be carried out by way of an agreement known as a ‘copyright assignment’.
A copyright assignment is a voluntary agreement between the individual assigning the copyright owner (a.k.a the ‘assignor’) and the individual receiving the transfer of the copyrighted works (a.k.a the ‘assignee’).
Typically, a copyright assignment will be a written agreement that will include details of the works being assigned, e.g. a composition to a song, details of whether the assignment is exclusive or non exclusive and details of any limitations or conditions for the transfer.
It is important to note that transferring the copyright of works does not always entail the transfer of the copyright as a whole – it can in some instances involve the assignment of a partial transfer of a copyright.
Unlike other intellectual property rights such as trade marks and registered designs, copyright does not require registration. Nevertheless, it is of significant importance to ensure that the transfer of these rights are documented within the assignment.
Whilst there are no specific requirements as to the form of words used to assign copyright, it is recommended that you seek expert legal advice to ensure that the transfer of your copyrighted works is a smooth process.
If you have any questions regarding this article, or you require assistance with drafting a copyright assignment, contact Lawdit Music today.
