Can UK copyrights be transferred to someone else?
Yes. Copyright is a form of intellectual property and, like physical property, can be bought and sold, inherited or otherwise transferred. A transfer of ownership may cover all or only some of the rights to which a copyright owner is entitled. But, unless a copyright owner agrees a license for him or herself when copyright is transferred, this would mean that the they would no longer be able to use the copyright work. First or subsequent copyright owners can choose to license others to use their works whilst retaining ownership themselves. A contractual agreement transferring ownership of copyright from one person to another is known as an assignment and is not effective unless in writing signed by or on behalf of the transferor.
