# What is IP assignment?

> An IP assignment transfers ownership of intellectual property from one party to another, so the buyer becomes the new owner. A license, by contrast, lets someone use the property on agreed terms while the owner keeps title.

Source: https://sellmydata.com/glossary/ip-assignment/
Published: 2026-10-28

## Assignment vs license

An assignment makes the assignee the new owner. A licence lets someone carry out agreed acts for an agreed period and "does not transfer ownership" ([CLIC](https://www.clic.org.hk/en/topics/intellectualProperty/copyright/q10)). In US copyright law, a "transfer of copyright ownership" covers an assignment and an [exclusive license](/glossary/exclusive-license/), but not a nonexclusive license ([17 U.S.C. § 101](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/101)), and a transfer needs a signed written instrument ([17 U.S.C. § 204](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/204)).

## Why it matters when you sell data

If you assign your data, you may not be able to license it again, or even keep using it on your own terms. A license lets you set the scope, term and uses, and keep ownership. Check also who will own what is made from the data, such as derivative datasets or fine-tuned models.

See [the terms to check in an AI data license offer](/guides/ai-data-license-offer-terms/). This is general information, not legal advice; have counsel review any agreement.

## Frequently asked questions

### How can I tell if a contract is an assignment or a license?

Read the grant clause. Words such as 'assigns', 'transfers' or 'all right, title and interest' point to an assignment. 'Grants a license to use' points to a license. Have counsel confirm what the full agreement does.

### Does an assignment have to be in writing?

Generally, yes. In the US, a transfer of copyright ownership isn't valid without a signed written instrument, and Hong Kong's rules likewise require an assignment to be in writing signed by the assignor.

## Sources

- [How is an assignment of copyright different from a licence of copyright?](https://www.clic.org.hk/en/topics/intellectualProperty/copyright/q10)
- [17 U.S. Code § 101: Definitions](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/101)
- [17 U.S. Code § 204: Execution of transfers of copyright ownership](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/204)