Protecting Your Company's Intellectual Property: A Practical Guide to Trademarks, Copyrights, Patents & Trade Secrets

Termination of Transfers

Copyrights that have been transferred or assigned can be recaptured by their original owners. Transfers of copyrights can be terminated after thirty-five years if the original owner serves written notice on the transferee within a five-year period beginning at the end of the thirty-fifth year. The process is somewhat complex, but if the appropriate documents and notices are filed, the original copyright reverts to its owner. After a notice of termination is given, the parties often renegotiate the transfer.

Figure 10-2. Copyright assignment.

WHEREAS William T. Taylor, an individual residing at 110 Elm Street, Phoenix, Arizona 22909 (''Assignor''), is the owner of all right, title, and interest in and to the copyright for ...