Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement

An Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement is a document by which someone releases some intellectual property which they created such as a work of art, a writing, a film. some computer code, or any other piece of intellectual property ("the work") and gives away or transfers all the rights to someone else. This type of agreement is used in situations where the creator of the work ("the transferor") is okay with the work being used for another purpose, and where the transferor is okay with not keeping any rights to the work.

By releasing the rights, the transferor gives up any control over what happens to the work. The person that receives the rights to the work ("the transferee") can then do anything they want with it - including copying it, distributing it, publishing it, or whatever else they would like. This may occur, for example, when a graphic designer (transferor) creates a logo for a client (transferee), and has no intention to use the logo again. They may "assign" the logo to the client, so that the client can use it however they like, including modifying it, printing it on various products, and distributing it to whomever they like.

This Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement is different from an Intellectual Property Licence Agreement. An Intellectual Property Licence Agreement can be used when the creator of the work ("the licensor") wants to retain some control over the work. For example, they may want to be able to provide copies of work to many different third parties ("the licensees"). This might apply, for example, when a software developer (licensor) creates some software, and lets people (licensees) purchase an annual subscription to use it. The software developer might want to control how people use it, for example, by preventing them from making copies or modifying the code. The software developer might also want to be able to provide copies to many different licensees at once. In these circumstances, the parties may consider using our Intellectual Property Licence Agreement.

Please note that for some intellectual property in Australia, transfers or assignments of the intellectual property need to be undertaken through relevant authorities. For example, in the case of trademarks (eg, logos and other branding), or patents, these are managed by IP Australia.

In order to validly transfer a trademark or patent, the parties may need to make an application with IP Australia. In addition, if a business name is being assigned, then this will need to be organised through the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.

If the parties are unsure about these matters or need assistance with them, they should seek legal advice.

Amendments to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) - 13 September 2019

Starting on 13 September 2019, some amendments to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) ("CCA") may impact many intellectual property arrangements in Australia. In particular, the CCA prohibits some conduct which is considered "anti competitive" or "cartel conduct".

If the parties have any concerns at all about whether or not they are going to be affected by these laws, they should strongly consider obtaining legal advice.

By way of general explanation, prior to 13 September 2019, section 51(3) of the CCA provided an exemption for some matters involving licensing or assignment of intellectual property. This meant, for example, that conduct involving licensing or assignment of intellectual property, which might otherwise be considered "anti competitive", might have been permitted.

However, starting on 13 September 2019, with the repeal of section 51(3), those matters involving licensing or assignment of intellectual property may no longer be permitted. The legislation places significant obligations on the parties, and its implications may be quite broad. There is also potential for this legislation to affect some conditions which may be common in many traditional intellectual property arrangements. The penalties for breach of these laws are also very high.

Therefore, if the parties have any concerns at all about whether or not they are going to be affected by these laws, they should strongly consider obtaining legal advice. This Agreement is only designed for use among parties which are not engaging in anti competitive or cartel conduct.

Further information about the changes is available on the website of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

How to use this document

This document can be used when an artist would like to release the rights to something they've created. Conversely, a business person or individual can also use this document to acquire the rights to something someone else has created, and they've agreed. In this document, the person preparing the document will be able to fill out the details of the work of intellectual property that is being released.

Once the document has been prepared and before it is signed, make sure that both parties (both the party assigning the intellectual property, and the party receiving the intellectual property) receive a copy of the document. Both parties should be given some time to review the document to make sure that their details are correct, that they understand the various terms, and that they are happy with the various terms.

Both parties should then sign the document. If the parties are individual persons (rather than companies) then the document may be set up to have their signatures witnessed by independent witnesses who are aged over 18. The parties cannot witness each other. If the parties are planning to sign the document electronically then they may need to check their local laws regarding electronic signatures and having signatures witnessed electronically.

Both parties should then keep a copy of the document for their own records.

Applicable law

There are no laws outlining what must be put into an Intellectual Property Transfer Agreement. Overall, intellectual property in Australia is covered primarily under Commonwealth law, including the Copyright Act 1968.

This agreement is a contract between the transferor and the transferee. Ordinary principles of contract law, as provided by the common law, will also apply.

How to modify the template

You fill out a form. The document is created before your eyes as you respond to the questions.

At the end, you receive it in Word and PDF formats. You can modify it and reuse it.