Can database rights be assigned?

Database rights may be assigned in the UK if the owner transfers them in writing. This is common where a database has commercial value or forms part of a business sale.

Can confidential information or know-how be assigned?

Confidential information and know-how may be transferred contractually, but they are often handled through assignment, confidentiality and licensing clauses rather than registration.

Can moral rights be assigned in the UK?

Moral rights are personal rights of creators and generally cannot be assigned in the UK, although they may sometimes be waived in writing.

What is the difference between assigning and licensing intellectual property?

No. An assignment transfers ownership of the intellectual property, while a licence gives permission to use it without transferring ownership.

Does an IP assignment need to be registered in the UK?

It depends on the type of IP. Registrable rights such as trade marks, patents and registered designs should usually be recorded with the UK Intellectual Property Office.

Can future intellectual property be assigned?

Yes. Future intellectual property can often be assigned or agreed to be assigned, but the wording must be clear to ensure ownership passes when the rights come into existence.

Who can assign intellectual property in the UK?

Usually, the legal owner of the IP must assign it. This may be an individual creator, employee, contractor, company or another rights holder, depending on the facts.

Can intellectual property be assigned as part of a business sale?

Yes. Intellectual property can be assigned as part of a business sale, asset transfer, investment, group restructuring or commercial agreement.

What should an intellectual property assignment include?

An IP assignment should clearly describe the rights being transferred, the territory, consideration, effective date, warranties, signatures and any registration requirements.

EN-GB>IP>Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement>Types Of IP That Can Be Assigned In The UK

Types Of Intellectual Property That Can Be Assigned In The UK

Created: 9 Jun 2026

Understanding which IP rights can be assigned helps UK creators, businesses, and buyers transfer ownership with confidence. This guide supports anyone using an AI Generated British Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement by clarifying the key categories of assignable intellectual property.

Registration Status	What It Protects	Common Examples	Evidence of Ownership	UK Assignment Considerations
Copyright in literary works
Unregistered	Original written, spoken or typed works.	Books, articles, website copy, manuals, reports and marketing text.	Draft files, publication records, metadata, employment contracts and author agreements.	Assignment must be in writing and signed by or on behalf of the assignor under section 90 CDPA 1988.
Copyright in computer programs and software code
Unregistered	Original source code, object code and related preparatory design material.	Apps, SaaS platforms, scripts, APIs, plugins and embedded software.	Source repositories, commit history, contributor agreements, contractor assignments and build records.	Confirm all employee, contractor and open-source contributions copyright assignment must comply with section 90 CDPA 1988.
Copyright in artistic works
Unregistered	Original graphic, photographic, sculptural, architectural and artistic creations.	Logos, illustrations, photographs, icons, packaging artwork, CAD images and architectural drawings.	Native design files, image metadata, commission terms, model releases and design briefs.	Check commissioned artwork terms ownership does not automatically pass to the commissioner without assignment.
Copyright in musical works
Unregistered	Original music, excluding lyrics and recordings as separate rights.	Compositions, melodies, scores, jingles and theme music.	Score files, studio notes, publishing contracts, split sheets and PRO records.	Separate musical work, lyrics, sound recording and performer rights use written signed assignments.
Copyright in dramatic works
Unregistered	Original works of action or performance capable of being performed.	Plays, screenplays, choreography, mime, scripts and stage directions.	Script drafts, rehearsal notes, timestamps, commission agreements and contributor contracts.	Identify separate contributions and moral rights assignment of copyright must be signed in writing.
Copyright in films
Unregistered	Original moving images and the film as a copyright work.	Feature films, adverts, training videos, social videos and animations.	Production agreements, chain-of-title documents, release forms, edit files and delivery materials.	Clear underlying works, music, performers and contributors assign film copyright separately in writing.
Copyright in sound recordings
Unregistered	Recorded sounds, separate from musical and literary copyright.	Master recordings, podcasts, audio adverts, samples and voice recordings.	Studio agreements, master files, producer contracts, ISRC records and label agreements.	Distinguish recording ownership from composition rights and performer consents before assignment.
Copyright in broadcasts
Unregistered	Broadcast transmissions and related signal rights.	Television broadcasts, radio programmes, live streams and webcast channels.	Broadcast logs, channel records, production contracts and transmission records.	Confirm broadcaster ownership and separate content rights before transferring broadcast copyright.
Copyright in typographical arrangement of published editions
Unregistered	Layout and typographical arrangement of a published edition.	Book layouts, magazine spreads, reports, catalogues and formatted editions.	Publisher files, print proofs, publishing contracts and edition records.	Assign separately from the underlying text, images and other included works.
UK registered trade marks
Registered	Signs distinguishing goods or services of one undertaking from another.	Brand names, logos, slogans, shapes, colours, sounds and certification marks.	UKIPO registration certificate, register extract, renewal records and assignment history.	Assignment should be in writing and signed record it at UKIPO using form TM16.
UK trade mark applications
Registered	Pending rights to obtain registration for a brand sign.	Pending word marks, logo marks, series marks and certification mark applications.	UKIPO application receipt, application number, filing correspondence and attorney records.	Applications are assignable update applicant details with UKIPO after transfer.
International trade marks designating the UK
Registered	Trade mark protection in the UK via the Madrid international system.	International brand registrations designating the United Kingdom.	WIPO international register extract, UK designation details and renewal records.	Record changes through WIPO where appropriate check UK designation coverage and any territorial limitations.
Business goodwill and passing off rights
Unregistered	Reputation and customer connection associated with a business, name or get-up.	Trading names, get-up, local reputation, customer lists and brand goodwill.	Sales records, advertising, customer evidence, domain use, accounts and trading history.	Assign goodwill expressly, especially with trade marks, trading names or business asset transfers.
UK patents
Registered	Technical inventions that are new, inventive and industrially applicable.	Machines, devices, chemical compounds, manufacturing processes and technical improvements.	Patent register extract, grant certificate, inventor assignments, R&D records and renewal receipts.	Assignment must be in writing and signed register the transfer at UKIPO to protect priority against later interests.
UK patent applications
Registered	Pending rights to obtain patent protection for an invention.	Filed but ungranted patent applications, divisional applications and priority filings.	Application number, filing receipt, inventor statements, priority documents and prosecution files.	Applications are assignable document inventor-to-applicant title and record ownership changes promptly.
European patents validated in the UK
Registered	Granted European patents taking effect as UK patent rights.	EPO-granted patents designating the UK and validated UK national parts.	EPO register extract, UK register entry, validation records and renewal payment history.	Record assignments with the correct office for pending EP applications and with UKIPO for granted UK rights.
PCT patent applications entering the UK phase
Registered	International patent applications that may lead to UK patent protection.	PCT applications designating the UK or entering the UK national phase.	PCT publication, WIPO records, priority documents, applicant records and assignment chain.	Check applicant entitlement and record changes before or during UK national phase entry.
UK registered designs
Registered	Appearance of the whole or part of a product, including lines, contours, colours, shape, texture or materials.	Product shapes, packaging, jewellery, furniture, icons, GUIs and surface decoration.	UKIPO registration certificate, design representations, register extract and assignment history.	Assignment should be in writing and signed record the transfer at UKIPO for registered title clarity.
UK registered design applications
Registered	Pending rights to register product appearance designs.	Pending product, packaging, textile, icon and interface design applications.	Application receipt, filing number, design images, creator records and priority claims.	Applications may be transferred update ownership at UKIPO and preserve priority evidence.
Supplementary unregistered design right
Unregistered	Unregistered appearance of a product first disclosed in the UK or qualifying territory.	Short-life fashion designs, product shapes, packaging and surface decoration.	First disclosure evidence, dated images, design files, launch records and creator contracts.	Define disclosed designs precisely written signed assignment is recommended to prove chain of title.
Continuing unregistered Community designs
Unregistered	UK continuing protection for eligible unregistered Community designs existing before IP completion day.	Pre-2021 EU-disclosed fashion, product and packaging designs with UK continuing protection.	EU first disclosure records, design files, launch evidence and ownership agreements.	Check the right still subsists and describe Brexit-derived UK continuing protection expressly.
UK unregistered design right
Unregistered	Shape or configuration of the whole or part of an original design.	Engineering components, product internals, tools, fixtures and functional product shapes.	CAD files, prototypes, design notebooks, first marketing records and designer contracts.	Assignment of design right must be in writing and signed by or on behalf of the assignor.
Semiconductor topography rights
Unregistered	Original topographies of semiconductor products.	Integrated circuit layouts, chip mask works and semiconductor layer arrangements.	Mask files, chip design records, fabrication documents, employment records and licence terms.	Use express written assignment and verify qualification, originality and commercial exploitation dates.
UK database right
Unregistered	Substantial investment in obtaining, verifying or presenting database contents.	Customer databases, directories, price feeds, catalogues, datasets and listings.	Build records, data acquisition logs, investment evidence, database schemas and access records.	Assign database right separately from copyright in the database structure and personal data obligations.
Copyright in databases
Unregistered	Original selection or arrangement of database contents.	Curated directories, structured knowledge bases, catalogues and organised datasets.	Schema history, editorial decisions, compilation records, contracts and version archives.	Assign both copyright and database right where both may exist copyright assignment must be signed in writing.
Confidential information
Unregistered	Information with necessary quality of confidence disclosed in circumstances importing confidentiality.	Business plans, formulas, pricing, supplier data, unpublished designs and technical documents.	NDAs, access logs, confidentiality policies, marked documents and trade secret registers.	Transfer by express disclosure and contractual obligations maintain secrecy and define permitted use carefully.
Trade secrets
Unregistered	Secret information with commercial value that is subject to reasonable steps to keep it secret.	Recipes, algorithms, manufacturing methods, customer intelligence and technical know-how.	Trade secret inventory, NDAs, restricted access logs, policies and development records.	Assignment should include secure handover, ongoing confidentiality duties and proof of reasonable secrecy measures.
Technical know-how
Unregistered	Practical technical knowledge, processes and experience not necessarily patented.	Manufacturing parameters, implementation notes, lab protocols, troubleshooting methods and deployment guides.	Lab books, SOPs, technical manuals, R&D records, NDAs and employee invention records.	Define deliverables clearly include confidentiality, training, assistance and non-use obligations where needed.
Domain names
Registered	Contractual registration of an internet address, not a statutory IP monopoly.	.uk, .co.uk, .org.uk, .com and other business domain names.	Registrar account records, WHOIS data, Nominet account, invoices and DNS control records.	Complete registrar or Nominet transfer steps assignment wording alone may not change registrant control.
Social media handles and account names
May be registered or unregistered	Platform account identifiers and associated brand presence.	Instagram handles, X usernames, TikTok accounts, YouTube channel names and LinkedIn pages.	Platform admin records, login credentials, business manager records and brand guidelines.	Check platform terms, access transfer steps, personal data issues and whether related trade marks or goodwill are assigned.
UK plant variety rights
Registered	New plant varieties that are distinct, uniform, stable and named.	New varieties of crops, flowers, fruit plants, vegetables and ornamentals.	Grant certificate, application file, breeder records, test reports and renewal records.	Record ownership changes with the Plant Variety Rights Office and check licences for propagating material.
UK geographical indications
Registered	Product names linked to geographical origin, quality, reputation or traditional character.	Protected food, drink, wine, spirit and agricultural product names.	GI register entry, producer group records, specification documents and compliance certificates.	Usually not assignable like private IP use depends on meeting scheme rules and product specification.
Certification marks
Registered	Marks indicating goods or services meet certified characteristics or standards.	Quality marks, origin marks, material standards and testing certification logos.	UKIPO register entry, regulations of use, certification scheme records and renewal records.	Review certification regulations and UKIPO requirements buyer must be able to administer the scheme properly.
Collective marks
Registered	Marks distinguishing goods or services of association members from others.	Trade association marks, cooperative marks and membership quality marks.	UKIPO register entry, association constitution, regulations of use and membership records.	Check collective mark regulations and whether assignee qualifies to own and control the mark.
Image rights and publicity-related assets
May be registered or unregistered	Commercial persona assets protected through trade marks, copyright, passing off, privacy or contract.	Names, signatures, likenesses, catchphrases, portraits and endorsement materials.	Trade mark filings, endorsement contracts, image licences, releases and brand usage evidence.	UK has no standalone general image right assign specific trade marks, copyright, goodwill and contractual rights.
Moral rights in copyright works
Unregistered	Personal rights such as attribution and objection to derogatory treatment.	Author credit rights, director credit rights and integrity rights in creative works.	Authorship records, credits, contracts and waiver documents.	Moral rights are not assignable, but may be waived by written signed instrument.
Performers property rights
Unregistered	Economic rights in recordings and exploitation of performances.	Actor performances, musician performances, voiceovers, dance performances and live recordings.	Performer contracts, consent forms, release agreements, call sheets and royalty statements.	Obtain written performer consents and assignments where exploitation rights must transfer.
Publication right
Unregistered	First publication of certain previously unpublished public domain works.	First editions of unpublished manuscripts, diaries, letters and historical materials.	Acquisition records, publication date evidence, editorial files and rights clearance notes.	Confirm the underlying work was unpublished and out of copyright before relying on the right.
Rental and lending rights
Unregistered	Rights to authorise rental or lending of certain copyright works and copies.	Film copies, sound recordings, software copies and literary works in lending schemes.	Publishing contracts, distribution agreements, copyright ownership records and royalty statements.	Transfer expressly if rental or lending revenue streams are important check statutory remuneration rules.
Merchandising rights
May be registered or unregistered	Commercial exploitation of brands, characters, designs or artwork on goods.	Character merchandise, branded clothing, toys, posters, collectibles and promotional products.	Trade mark registrations, copyright assignments, style guides, licences and sales records.	Assign underlying trade marks, copyright, designs and goodwill rather than relying on a vague merchandising label.
Fictional character rights
May be registered or unregistered	Characters protected through copyright, trade marks, designs and passing off.	Cartoon characters, game avatars, mascots, comic characters and fictional universes.	Original artwork, scripts, character bibles, trade mark filings and creator contracts.	List all underlying works and registrations character concepts alone may not transfer cleanly.
Video game intellectual property
May be registered or unregistered	Software, artwork, music, scripts, databases, brands and game designs.	Game code, levels, characters, UI assets, soundtracks, lore and game titles.	Repositories, asset libraries, contributor agreements, engine licences and publishing contracts.	Separate code, art, music, engine licences, middleware and contributor rights in the assignment schedule.
AI datasets and machine learning assets
May be registered or unregistered	Copyright, database right, confidential information and contractual rights in AI-related assets.	Training datasets, model documentation, prompts, evaluation sets, weights and fine-tuning materials.	Dataset licences, provenance logs, annotation contracts, repository records and access controls.	Check whether protectable rights exist, input licences permit transfer, and personal data or confidentiality restrictions apply.
Intellectual property licences
May be registered or unregistered	Contractual permission to use IP owned by another person.	Software licences, brand licences, patent licences, content licences and design licences.	Licence agreement, amendment history, consent letters, royalty records and termination notices.	Check anti-assignment clauses and whether licensor consent is required before transferring licence benefits.
Security interests over intellectual property
May be registered or unregistered	Lender rights over IP collateral securing obligations.	Charges over patents, trade marks, designs, copyright portfolios and royalties.	Security agreement, Companies House filings, UKIPO register entries and release documents.	Check existing charges and obtain releases IP may be encumbered even if the seller is registered owner.

What Intellectual Property Can Be Assigned In The UK?

Most UK intellectual property assets can be assigned, but the method and evidence needed differ by right. Copyright, database rights, design rights, patents, trade marks and registered designs can all be transferred, while related assets such as goodwill, domain names and confidential know-how often need extra wording or separate transfer steps.

When Must An IP Assignment Be In Writing?

Several important UK IP assignments must be in writing and signed by or on behalf of the assignor. This is especially important for copyright, patents, registered trade marks, registered designs and many unregistered design rights. A verbal agreement or informal email may be inadequate for transferring legal title.

Why Does Registration Status Matter For An Assignment?

Registered rights usually require a post-completion recordal step. For UK patents, trade marks and registered designs, the assignment should normally be recorded at the UK Intellectual Property Office. Until recordal, the buyer may face practical issues proving title, enforcing the right, or receiving official notices.

What Should Be Checked Before Assigning IP?

Identify each right separately: a patent, trade mark, copyright work, design, database and domain name are different assets and should not be grouped vaguely.
Check ownership chain: employer records, contractor agreements, invention assignments and licence terms may determine whether the seller actually owns the IP.
Include goodwill where needed: assigning a trade mark or passing off rights may require express transfer of associated business goodwill.
Deal with moral rights: copyright can be assigned, but UK moral rights are personal and generally cannot be assigned, so waivers or consents may be needed.
Use schedules: registered numbers, application numbers, work titles, repository links and domain names should be listed clearly in the agreement.

Types of Intellectual Property That Can Be Assigned

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FAQs

What types of intellectual property can be assigned in the UK?

In the UK, intellectual property that can usually be assigned includes copyright, trade marks, patents, registered designs, design rights, database rights and certain confidential information or know-how, where legally transferable.

Can copyright be assigned in the UK?

Can a UK trade mark be assigned?

Can patents be assigned in the UK?

Can design rights be assigned in the UK?

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