Ownership & rights
Copyright Transfer
A copyright transfer, or assignment, is the written act by which the owner of music rights permanently passes them to someone else. Unlike a licence, which grants permission while ownership stays put, a transfer changes who the owner is. It must be in writing and must identify precisely which rights, which works, which territories and for how long.
In practice
A valid transfer names the work, distinguishes the master recording from the composition, states that the assignment is worldwide and for the full term of copyright, and confirms it is irrevocable. Vague documents cause problems years later: "full rights granted" without specifying master and publishing usually means only one of the two moved. Buyers should also check that the assignor warrants they hold the rights being sold and indemnifies the buyer if they do not.
How SoniBuyout® handles it
Every SoniBuyout purchase is executed as a rights-assignment agreement covering both the master recording and the composition, worldwide, for the full term, irrevocably — with the track withdrawn from the catalogue so no conflicting grant can be issued afterwards.
Real questions
What is the difference between a transfer and an exclusive licence?
An exclusive licence gives you sole use but leaves ownership with the licensor, who can enforce conditions, let it expire or reclaim it. A transfer makes you the owner, free to license, adapt or resell.
Does a copyright transfer have to be registered?
Not in most jurisdictions — the signed agreement is what counts. Registration exists in some countries, and in the US recordation gives priority against conflicting transfers, but the contract itself creates the transfer.
Related terms
Own the track instead of renting it
Sonify Music sells exclusive buyouts of catalogue tracks: one payment, full ownership, the track removed from sale and a named certificate of ownership.