Trademark Assignment Agreement Template

What Is a Trademark Assignment?

A "trademark assignment" means the transferring party (the assignor) transfers to the receiving party (the assignee) the property rights in a trademark or service mark. When you assign the trademark, you also convey the goodwill or business associated with it - a transfer of ownership without goodwill is invalid. A trademark or service mark is a valuable asset and prized possession because it helps the customer to quickly associate specific qualities with a recognizable brand. A proper assignment of trademark will prevent the loss of time, money, and image for both parties.

How to Record a Trademark Assignment?

The assignment of a legally recognized symbol, word, phrase, or design must be done in writing to provide a record of ownership and transfer and protect the rights of both parties in case of a potential dispute or disagreement. To be valid, a Trademark Assignment Agreement has to include the following information:

1. Identification. The names of the assignor and the assignee, their addresses, and telephone numbers.
2. Trademarked Item. Description of the trademark to be assigned and any relevant registrations or applications for the mark. The assignor transfers to the assignee all the interest in the mark, including the income and royalties payable to the assignor regarding the mark and all rights to sue for the infringement or misappropriations of the mark.
3. Warranty. The assignor confirms the legal ownership of all rights, title, and interest in the trademark and certifies that the trademark has not been previously assigned, encumbered, or pledged - that is, the agreement will not infringe on the rights of another individual or entity.
4. Purchase Price. Any trademark has a monetary value, so the assignee must pay the assignor a consideration. Before you sell all of your rights in a trademark, make sure this is the best course of action for you and your business - that one-time payment is all that you will receive for the trademark.
5. Verification. Signatures of the parties and the actual date of signing.

Both parties are highly encouraged to review the agreement carefully to ensure the inclusion of all relevant deal points - state expressly all the expectations and terms, it is better to be over-inclusive.

You may obtain a notary seal if you wish - the notarization is not strictly required, but recommended. Once the assignment is recorded, the assignee must register it with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, otherwise, the agreement will not be effective. You can do it online via the Electronic Trademark Assignment System or by mail - complete the Recordation Form Cover Sheet to transfer ownership and mail it to the Mail Stop Assignment Recordation Branch, Director of the US Patent and Trademark Office, PO Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450.

Related Templates and Topics:

• Confidentiality Agreement;
• Non-Disclosure Agreement;
• Copyright Infringement Notice.