CHAIN OF TITLE ATTESTATION

Updated: Nov. 1, 2025

1. What is it?

A Chain of Title Attestation and Assignment Agreement is a legal document that confirms the Assignor has valid ownership of all underlying rights necessary for the development, production, and exploitation of a motion picture—and formally transfers those rights to an Assignee (such as a producer, production company, or financier). It serves both as a warranty of ownership and a clean assignment of intellectual property (IP) to support the film’s legal chain of title. This document is vital to ensure that all source materials—such as scripts, treatments, books, or life rights—have been properly acquired and transferred without third-party claims, gaps, or encumbrances. It's typically required during financing, insurance underwriting (E&O), and distribution legal delivery.

The French version is slight different and the wording is tailored to what satisfies French distributors.

2. Who is it for?

Anyone acquiring or receiving rights to underlying material for a film must use this to establish and document a clear chain of title. It's essential for parties relying on that IP to be legally protected, including producers and distributors.

Common users include:

• Writers assigning screenplay rights to producers

• Producers acquiring IP from authors or creators

• Production companies obtaining rights from previous rights-holders

• Financiers and sales agents needing clean title for due diligence

• Distributors requiring documentation for legal delivery

• Entertainment attorneys clearing chain-of-title for insurance

3. What does it include?

The agreement consists of representations and warranties by the Assignor that they have full rights to the material and that no other party has conflicting claims. It includes the formal assignment of rights and often attaches a description of the IP being transferred. It will typically also include indemnification language, affirm that the IP is original or otherwise cleared, and cover all media, languages, and territories.

Key Terms and Sections Typically Include:

• Parties (Assignor and Assignee with full legal names and contact info)

• Recitals/Background (explains how Assignor obtained rights and purpose of the agreement)

• Assignment of Rights

  • Full transfer of copyright and ancillary rights

  • All media, worldwide, in perpetuity

  • Includes all right, title and interest

• Signatures of assignor and assignee

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