---
title: "Copyright chain of title record"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/precedents/intellectual-property-patents-trade-marks-copyright-designs/copyright-chain-of-title"
type: "precedent"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "a23-copyright-chain-of-title"
area_id: "A23"
kind: "form"
ai_level: "yellow"
version: 1
task_ids: ["A23-T1-R8", "A23-B15-3"]
law_stated_as_at: "2026-10-22"
---

# Copyright chain of title record

> Record of who started as owner under section 35 and of each later assignment. An assignment has effect only if it is in writing signed by or on behalf of the assignor.

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/precedents/intellectual-property-patents-trade-marks-copyright-designs/copyright-chain-of-title  
Law stated as at: 2026-10-22

Site index for agents: https://ailawframework.com/llms.txt

## Key facts

- Kind: Form. A form to complete, or a guide to completing an official one.
- Practice area: [Intellectual Property — Patents, Trade Marks, Copyright, Designs](https://ailawframework.com/precedents/intellectual-property-patents-trade-marks-copyright-designs.md)
- Jurisdictions: Commonwealth
- AI level: Yellow. You and the tool draft together, with you directing. You check every statement you rely on.
- Law stated as at: 2026-10-22
- Status: Maintained. Checked on 2026-10-22 against the 2 authorities it cites, for Commonwealth.

## When to use it

Use when building an ownership and encumbrance table from contracts in a data room, before an assignment is drafted or a warranty is given.

## Used for these tasks

- [Build an IP ownership and encumbrance table from the data room](https://ailawframework.com/practice/intellectual-property-patents-trade-marks-copyright-designs/build-an-ip-ownership-and-encumbrance-table-from-the-data-room.md)
- [Draft a short-form copyright assignment and check the Copyright Act 1968 compilation for the writing requirement](https://ailawframework.com/practice/intellectual-property-patents-trade-marks-copyright-designs/draft-a-short-form-copyright-assignment-and-check-the-copyright-act-1968.md)

## How AI may be used

The tool lists document titles, dates and parties from the data-room index, and the lawyer decides whether each document assigns copyright.

**AI may:**

- Enter the title, date and named parties of each document the lawyer points to.
- Flag a document that is not described, on its face, as signed writing.

**AI must not:**

- Do not decide that copyright has passed.
- Do not draft an assignment. Section 196(3) requires writing signed by or on behalf of the assignor.
- Do not treat a licence as an assignment.

**The lawyer checks:**

- Start from section 35, including any agreement that excludes or modifies subsections (4) to (6).
- Read section 196(2) if the writing is limited by acts, place or time.
- A licence binds successors in title to the grantor's interest to the same extent, under section 196(4). Record licences separately from assignments.

## Authorities

- [Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) s 35](https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/legis/cth/consol_act/ca1968133/s35.html)
- [Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) s 196](https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/legis/cth/consol_act/ca1968133/s196.html)

## Full text and drafting notes

The full text and the drafting notes are not part of this public page. Signed-in firm accounts can read them at https://ailawframework.com/precedents/intellectual-property-patents-trade-marks-copyright-designs/copyright-chain-of-title and through the signed-in MCP connector https://ailawframework.com/mcp/firm.

*Practice guidance for planning and review. Confirm current primary sources and the requirements of the actual matter. This is general information, not legal advice.*