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Copyright 101: The Nuts and Bolts of Transferring Rights

Writer's picture: Amy NAmy N

Updated: Jun 18, 2024

So, you’ve created the next big hit, “The Incredible Adventures of Squeaky the Squirrel.” It’s a story packed with action, laughter, and heartwarming moments. Now, the million-dollar question: can you transfer your copyright to someone else? Let’s explore this with a sprinkle of humor.

Cre: DALL·E


Can Copyright Be Transferred?


The short answer is: absolutely! Copyright can be transferred, and there are a couple of ways to do it: through an assignment or a license. Think of it like renting or selling a house. You can either hand over the keys forever or just lease it out for a while.


Assignment of Copyright


An assignment of copyright is like selling your house. You hand over the deed, and the new owner can do whatever they want with it.


Example: You decide to sell all your rights to Squeaky the Squirrel to a big publishing company. They offer you $100,000. You take the money, buy yourself a fancy new coffee machine, and wave goodbye to Squeaky. The publisher can now make sequels, spin-offs, or even turn Squeaky into a Saturday morning cartoon. And you? You get to sit back and enjoy your coffee because you’ve handed over all rights.


Licensing Copyright


Licensing is more like renting out your house. You still own it, but someone else can use it for a while, and you get paid for the privilege.


Example: You license the rights to a toy company to produce Squeaky the Squirrel action figures. They pay you an advance of $20,000 plus 10% of all toy sales. Squeaky becomes a toy sensation, and every time a kid buys a Squeaky figure, you get a cut of the profits. Plus, you still retain the rights to make movies, write books, or even create a Squeaky video game.


The Humorous Bit


Imagine Squeaky himself negotiating these deals. In the first scenario, Squeaky’s like, “Take all my acorns and my home for a pile of shiny nuts.” In the second, he’s saying, “You can play with my acorns, but I get a bite of every nut you find.”


In conclusion, copyright can be transferred either permanently through an assignment or temporarily through licensing. Both options have their perks, and choosing the right one depends on your long-term plans and how much control you want to keep over your creation. And remember, in every case, the moral rights of the author still stay with you. So, whether you’re selling or renting, make sure you’re getting a good deal for Squeaky and his incredible adventures!

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