PLR is a property right which can be given away, sold or bequeathed by will.  Registered owners may transfer the PLR interests in this way to an individual, organisation or company who then becomes the PLR assignee.

Please select one of the topics from the list below:

How can I notify you of a registered owner’s death?

You may contact us to advise of a registered owner’s death in writing, via email or telephone.  However, please note that it is necessary to complete an Assignment form and provide required documentation before PLR rights can be transferred to a new owner.  Full details are available in our Assignments and Posthumous Registration Information Leaflet.

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What happens to my PLR earnings when I die?

PLR continues for up to 70 years after the date of the original registered owner’s death. When we are notified of the death of a registered owner, instructions and Assignment Forms are provided to the executor of the estate, so that the rights can be transferred to a new owner.

Before PLR can be transferred, the legal representative is required to provide us with a copy of the Will & Death Certificate or Grant of Probate together with the Assignment Form.  Full details relating to the Assignment Process is available in our Assignments and Posthumous Registration Information Leaflet.

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How should I refer to PLR in my Will?

PLR is separate from copyright and you should make clear provision in your Will for the disposition of the PLR in your books. You may wish to consult a solicitor about the appropriate wording. PLR offers a short Guide to Completing a Will .

If you would like your PLR payments to remain in the PLR fund after your death for the benefit of others, the PLR office can provide the appropriate wording for your Will.

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Can I assign my PLR during my lifetime?

PLR may be transferred in some or all of your registered titles to an individual, organisation or charity.  Once you transfer your rights, you permanently give up your right to receive information on loans of the book(s) and any PLR earnings.  Applications to assign PLR as a gift must be submitted on an Assignment Form.  We regret that it is not possible to process assignments online.

Alternatively, you may retain your right in PLR but specify that payment is to be made to someone else by providing their payment details.  You can amend your payment details online or in writing (contact us)

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What am I entitled to as an assignee?

As an assignee, you legally own the Public Lending Right in the author's books that have been assigned to you. You will automatically receive all PLR correspondence and payments relating to the books. The PLR in a book continues for up to 70 years after the original registered owner’s death.

Assignees may transfer their PLR rights to another individual or organisation if they wish, by completing an Assignment Form. In the event of an assignee’s death, the PLR rights will be transferred to a new owner as specified in their will or by the executors of their estate (providing that there were no joint owners of the PLR).

There is no limit to the number of times PLR can be transferred, providing the transfers fall within the 70 year period. However, once you transfer your PLR interests in a book to a new owner, you permanently give up your right to receive information on loans of the book and any PLR payments arising from these.

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Can PLR be transferred to more than one person?

PLR can be transferred to a group of up to four people. They will jointly own the whole of the assigned PLR rather than owning individual shares in it.

For the purposes of the scheme, the first named of the joint owners shall be deemed the senior and will receive correspondence and payments on behalf of all the joint owners to be distributed as agreed between the group.

If the senior assignee dies or gives up his interest in PLR, the Right will become the property of the remaining joint owners. The first named of the remaining group will be deemed the senior. The right of survivorship will continue until only one of the original joint owner’s remains. The final owner can dispose of the Right as they wish.

Any changes to the original transfer document must be supported by the authority of all the joint owners.

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