17 USC 204 - Execution of transfers of copyright ownership

U.S Code last checked for updates: Apr 23, 2024

§ 204.

Execution of transfers of copyright ownership

(a)

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.

(b)

A certificate of acknowledgement is not required for the validity of a transfer, but is prima facie evidence of the execution of the transfer if—

(1)

in the case of a transfer executed in the United States, the certificate is issued by a person authorized to administer oaths within the United States; or

(2)

in the case of a transfer executed in a foreign country, the certificate is issued by a diplomatic or consular officer of the United States, or by a person authorized to administer oaths whose authority is proved by a certificate of such an officer.

(Pub. L. 94–553, title I, § 101, Oct. 19, 1976, 90 Stat. 2570.)

cite as: 17 USC 204