Create a bespoke document in minutes,聽or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership聽of your information
Assignment of Contract
I need an assignment of contract document to transfer the rights and obligations of an existing service agreement to a new party, ensuring that all terms remain unchanged and both the original and new parties consent to the transfer. The document should include clauses for indemnity and confidentiality, and be compliant with German contract law.
What is an Assignment of Contract?
An Assignment of Contract lets you transfer your rights and obligations under an existing contract to someone else in Germany. Think of it like handing over your role in a deal - for example, when a company sells its business contracts to a new owner or when a construction firm passes a project to another contractor.
Under German Civil Code (BGB 搂 398-413), you'll need written consent from all parties involved, and the original contract must allow for assignment. The assignor (person transferring) stays liable unless specifically released, while the assignee (person receiving) takes on all contract duties. Banks and businesses often use assignments to restructure deals or handle mergers.
When should you use an Assignment of Contract?
Use an Assignment of Contract when you need to transfer your contractual position to another party in Germany. Common scenarios include selling your business where contracts need to move to the new owner, transferring lease agreements during corporate restructuring, or passing construction projects to different contractors. This tool helps maintain business continuity while changing contract parties.
The Assignment becomes especially valuable during mergers and acquisitions, company divisions, or when operational changes require shifting responsibilities. Under German law (BGB), it's particularly useful for transferring payment rights, service agreements, and supply contracts - but remember that some contracts, like highly personal services, can't be assigned without specific permission.
What are the different types of Assignment of Contract?
- Contract Assignment Agreement: Basic template for transferring standard contract rights and obligations to another party, commonly used in business sales
- Copyright Assignment Agreement: Specifically designed for transferring intellectual property rights under German copyright law
- Assignment And Assumption Agreement: Comprehensive version explicitly stating the assignee's acceptance of duties and liabilities
- Assignment Of Purchase Agreement: Focused on transferring rights in property or asset purchase contracts
- Assignment And Novation Agreement: Creates a completely new contract while terminating the original, releasing the original party from obligations
Who should typically use an Assignment of Contract?
- Business Owners: Initiate Assignment of Contract agreements when selling their company or transferring business relationships to new entities
- Corporate Lawyers: Draft and review the assignments to ensure compliance with German Civil Code requirements and protect client interests
- Real Estate Developers: Transfer construction contracts or property purchase agreements to other parties
- Assignors: Original contract holders who transfer their rights and obligations to another party
- Assignees: New parties taking over the contract responsibilities and benefits
- Original Contracting Parties: Must consent to the assignment and continue performing their obligations under German law
How do you write an Assignment of Contract?
- Original Contract Review: Gather the complete original contract and verify it allows for assignment under German law
- Party Details: Collect full legal names, addresses, and registration numbers of assignor, assignee, and original contracting parties
- Contract Scope: Clearly identify which rights and obligations are being transferred
- Consent Documentation: Obtain written approval from all parties involved in the original agreement
- Financial Terms: Document any payment or consideration for the assignment
- Effective Date: Specify when the transfer takes effect and outline any transition period
- Supporting Documents: Gather proof of authority to sign and any required corporate resolutions
What should be included in an Assignment of Contract?
- Identification Section: Full legal names and details of assignor, assignee, and original contract parties
- Original Contract Reference: Date, parties, and subject matter of the contract being assigned
- Assignment Scope: Clear description of rights and obligations being transferred under BGB 搂 398
- Consideration Clause: Details of any payment or value exchange for the assignment
- Consent Provisions: Written agreement from all original parties as required by German law
- Effective Date: Specific timing of the transfer and any transition arrangements
- Governing Law: Explicit reference to German law and jurisdiction
- Signatures: Execution blocks for all required parties with proper authorization
What's the difference between an Assignment of Contract and a Contract Amendment?
An Assignment of Contract differs significantly from a Contract Amendment in German law. While both modify existing agreements, they serve distinct purposes and have different legal effects.
- Transfer vs. Modification: Assignment transfers rights and obligations to a new party, while an amendment changes terms between existing parties
- Party Involvement: Assignment requires consent from original parties plus the new assignee; amendments only need agreement from original parties
- Legal Effect: Assignment creates a new contractual relationship with the assignee under BGB 搂 398, while amendments merely adjust existing terms
- Documentation Required: Assignment needs proof of transfer capability and assignee acceptance; amendments simply need written changes and signatures
- Timing Impact: Assignment typically marks a clear transition point, while amendments usually apply from their execution date forward
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
骋别苍颈别鈥檚 Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here鈥檚 how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; 骋别苍颈别鈥檚 AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a 拢1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.