Legal Definitions - de me

De me is a Latin phrase meaning "of me." Historically, this term was significant in feudal property law. It indicated that a grant or transfer of land originated directly from the grantor, signifying that the grantor possessed sufficient independent authority over the property to convey it without needing the permission or confirmation of a superior lord in the feudal hierarchy. Essentially, it meant the property was held directly by the grantor, allowing them to transfer it freely.

Here are a few examples illustrating the concept behind "de me" in various contexts:

• Real Estate Ownership: Imagine a homeowner who has fully paid off their mortgage and holds clear title to their property. When this homeowner decides to sell their house, they do so "de me." They do not need to seek permission from the original builder of the house, the previous owner from whom they purchased it, or any other historical entity in the chain of ownership. Their authority to sell stems directly from their current, unencumbered ownership, demonstrating that they hold the property with independent power to convey it.

• Intellectual Property Rights: Consider an independent artist who creates a unique piece of digital art and registers its copyright in their name. If the artist decides to license this artwork for commercial use or sell the full rights to a gallery, they are acting "de me." They do not need permission from the software company whose tools they used to create the art, nor from any platform where they might have initially displayed it. Their ownership of the copyright grants them the independent authority to transfer or license their creation without external approval from a "superior" entity.

• Business Asset Disposal: A small business owner purchases a new, specialized piece of equipment for their operations. After several years, they decide to upgrade and sell the old equipment. When the owner sells this machinery, they do so "de me." They do not need to obtain permission from the manufacturer of the equipment, the distributor from whom they originally bought it, or any previous owner. Their direct and complete ownership of the asset gives them the independent authority to dispose of it as they see fit, without requiring approval from a "superior" party in the acquisition chain.