Legal Definitions - partial assignment

A partial assignment occurs when a person or entity transfers only a portion of their rights, interests, or property to another party, rather than transferring the entirety of those rights or interests. In such a scenario, the original owner (the assignor) retains some rights or interests, while the recipient (the assignee) receives a specific, limited part.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: Rental Income

  A property owner, Ms. Chen, owns a commercial building with multiple retail units. To secure a short-term loan, she enters into an agreement with a bank where she assigns the right to collect rent from one specific retail unit for the next twelve months directly to the bank. Ms. Chen continues to collect rent from all other units and will resume collecting rent from that specific unit after the twelve-month period.

  How this illustrates partial assignment: Ms. Chen has transferred only a specific, limited portion of her overall rental income stream (rent from one unit for a defined period) to the bank, rather than assigning all the rent from the entire building or for an indefinite period. She retains the majority of her rental income rights.

• Example 2: Intellectual Property Royalties

  A software developer, Mr. Kim, creates a popular mobile application. He enters into a contract with a marketing firm, assigning them 15% of all future net royalties generated specifically from in-app purchases within that application, in exchange for their promotional services. Mr. Kim retains 85% of those royalties, as well as all other rights related to the application, such as licensing for merchandise or future development.

  How this illustrates partial assignment: Mr. Kim has assigned only a fraction (15%) of one particular type of income (in-app purchase royalties) from his intellectual property to the marketing firm. He has not transferred full ownership of the app, nor all types of income or rights associated with it.

• Example 3: Insurance Claim Benefits

  After a car accident, Mr. Lee incurs significant medical expenses. His health insurance policy covers 70% of these costs. To simplify the billing process, Mr. Lee signs a document assigning his right to receive that 70% payment directly from his insurance company to the hospital where he received treatment. Mr. Lee remains personally responsible for the remaining 30% deductible and co-pay.

  How this illustrates partial assignment: Mr. Lee has transferred only the specific portion of his insurance benefit (the 70% covered amount) that applies to the hospital's bill. He has not assigned his entire insurance policy, nor any other benefits or claims he might have under that policy.