Legal Definitions - original title

Original title refers to the initial, foundational legal ownership of a property. It represents the very first recognized claim or grant of ownership that can be traced back to its origin, often from a sovereign entity, a government, or the first creator of an asset. It is the starting point in the chain of ownership for a particular piece of property.

• Example 1: Historical Land Grant

  In the 18th century, a colonial government issued a royal charter granting a vast expanse of undeveloped territory to a private company for settlement and development. This charter established the original title for that entire landmass, from which all subsequent subdivisions, sales, and individual property deeds would eventually derive their legitimacy.

  Explanation: The royal charter was the very first legal document that conferred ownership rights over that specific territory, making it the foundational or original title from which all future ownership claims would flow.

• Example 2: Intellectual Property

  A software engineer develops a unique algorithm for a new artificial intelligence application and successfully registers a copyright for their code. The copyright registration document establishes the engineer's original title to the exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and display that specific piece of software.

  Explanation: The copyright registration is the initial legal instrument that recognizes and grants the creator exclusive ownership rights over their original work, thereby forming the original title for that intellectual property.

• Example 3: Newly Surveyed Property

  After a large tract of federal land is surveyed and opened for private ownership, a farmer purchases a specific parcel directly from the government. The initial deed issued by the government to the farmer for that parcel represents the original title for that particular piece of land, as it is the first legal document establishing private ownership.

  Explanation: The first deed from the government is the foundational document that establishes private legal ownership for that specific parcel, serving as its original title before any subsequent transfers or sales occur.