What is a ‘chain of title’?

A chain of title is a legal term used in art law to refer to the chain of ownership of a work of art. It is a record of everyone who has owned the artwork and how it changed hands throughout its history. This record is used to establish ownership and rights of a work of art. In Nebraska, a chain of title for a work of art is usually established through documentation like purchase receipts, contracts, catalogues, and inheritance records. It is important to have a chain of title to prove ownership in the event of a dispute. For example, if a painting is in the possession of one person and someone else claims it as their own, the party in possession of the painting can show their chain of title as evidence of their ownership and rights to the work. In addition to establishing provenance, a chain of title is also used to help determine copyright and reproduction rights of artwork. It is the legal standard used to establish ownership and clarify any rights to the artwork. In Nebraska, having a chain of title can help protect your artwork and the rights associated with it. Establishing a chain of title can help ensure that you have the full control and legal rights over your artwork, should any disputes arise.

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