Ownership of and interests in certain classes of assets such as land, cars and ships, patents, trademarks, etc. is capable of being recorded on an official register of title. Such recordation may be compulsory or voluntary depending on the applicable legal regime. In any event, failure to record such interests, when recordation is possible, can create significant legal risks. See Bone-Fide Purchaser.
| Category |
Recorded? |
Category |
Recorded? |
| Land |
Normally |
Automobiles |
Always |
| Patents |
Always |
Know-how |
Never |
| Copyright |
Usually not, Can be in US |
Plant varieties |
Always |
| Trademarks |
Usually, but not always |
Business Names |
Can be, but not always |
| Naming Rights |
Never |
Rights of Publicity |
Generally never, except by legislation for certain events (e.g., Olympics) |
| Trade Dress |
Can be, often not |
Registered Designs |
Varies by jurisdiction |
| Orphan Drugs |
Must be |
Architectural Designs |
Rarely, except as a U.S. Copyright |
| Service Marks |
Can be, but often are not |
“Tag” and “Strap” Lines |
Can be as Trademarks, often not |
| Domain Names |
Always |
Colors, odors |
Sometimes as Trademarks |