In contrast to trade names, registered trademarks may be assigned to other persons without transfer of business. The assignment can only be based on the assignment agreement regardless of the reason for the assignment (e.g. transfer of trademark, affiliation, spin-off, merger). The registration of the assignment is not required for the transfer of property in the trademark, but has to be done in order to introduce changes regarding the new owner in the Trademark Register and to inform the public about this.

