Copyright Act: execution of transfers of copyright ownership (17 U.S.C. § 204(a))
An assignment or exclusive licence of copyright must be in a signed writing. An exclusivity promise made only in an email thread or a call may not transfer what the buyer thinks it bought.
Dated 17 Oct 2026Source checked 17 Oct 2026Basis: primary text
In the source's own words
“A transfer of copyright ownership, other than by operation of law, is not valid unless an instrument of conveyance, or a note or memorandum of the transfer, is in writing and signed by the owner of the rights conveyed or such owner’s duly authorized agent.”
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