What is a ‘chain of title’?

A ‘chain of title’ is a document that identifies each owner of a work of art. It is used to trace the ownership rights of an artwork from the creator to the current owner. This chain can also be used to trace the transfer of rights and determine who holds the legal rights to the work of art. In Oregon, an artwork’s chain of title must be shown to establish legal ownership. The chain of title must include all of the transfers of rights that have occurred between the original owner and the current one. It must also include the dates of these transfers to document when title to the artwork transferred from one entity to another. When establishing a chain of title, it is important to include any co-owners and original licenses associated with a work of art. Co-ownership of an artwork can be established in any number of ways, among them, by contract, deed, or court order. Licenses are also important because they give the holder specific rights to use a work of art in a certain way. Chain of title is essential in art law, as it serves as a verified record of artwork ownership. It is especially important in cases where the ownership of a work of art is in dispute. It enables art market professionals to verify the authenticity of a work and ensures that the artist or any other owner of the artwork is appropriately compensated for the use of the work.

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What is a ‘chain of title’?

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