Definition
An assignment is the legal transfer of ownership of a patent or application from one party to another, recorded to establish clear title.
Why It Matters Legally
Proper assignment creates a clean chain of title, which is vital for enforcement and transactions. Defective or unrecorded assignments can undermine a company’s ability to sue or sell a patent.
Example Use Case
Before an acquisition, a buyer reviews the assignment records to confirm the target company actually owns the patents it claims.
Have a question about this?
Talk to a patent attorney about your situation. Start your free consult