assignment or novation of contract

Assignment vs Novation: Everything You Need to Know

Assignment vs. novation: What's the difference? An assignment agreement transfers one party's rights and obligations under a contract to another party. 4 min read updated on February 01, 2023

Assignment vs. novation: What's the difference? An assignment agreement transfers one party's rights and obligations under a contract to another party. The party transferring their rights and duties is the assignor; the party receiving them is the assignee. Novation is a mechanism where one party transfers all its obligations and rights under a contract to a third party, with the consent of the original counterparty.

The transfer of a benefit or interest from one party to another is referred to as an assignment. While the benefits can be transferred, the obligation or burden behind the contract cannot be. A contract assignment occurs when a party assigns their contractual rights to a third party. The benefit that the issuing party would have received from the contract is now assigned to the third party. The party appointing their rights is referred to as the assignor, while the party obtaining the rights is the assignee. 

The assignor continues to carry the burden and can be held liable by the assignee for failing to fulfill their duties under the contract. Purchasing an indemnity clause from the assignee may help protect the assignor from a future liability. Unlike notation, assignment contracts do not annul the initial agreement and do not establish a new agreement. The original or initial contract continues to be enforced. 

Assignment contracts generally do not require the authorization from all parties in the agreement. Based on the terms, the assignor will most likely only need to notify the nonassigning party.

In regards to a contract being assignable, if an agreement seems silent or unclear, courts have decided that the contract is typically assignable. However, this does not apply to personal service contracts where consent is mandatory. The Supreme Court of Canada , or SCC, has determined that a personal service contract must be created for the original parties based on the special characteristics, skills, or confidences that are uniquely displayed between them. Many times, the courts need to intervene to determine whether an agreement is indeed a personal service contract.

Overall, assignment is more convenient for the assignor than novation. The assignor is not required to ask for approval from a third party in order to assign their interest in an agreement to the assignee. The assignor should be aware of the potential liability risk if the assignee doesn't perform their duties as stated in the assigned contract.

Novation has the potential to limit future liabilities to an assignor, but it also is usually more burdensome for the parties involved. Additionally, it's not always achievable if a third party refuses to give consent.

It's essential for the two parties in an agreement to appraise their relationship before transitioning to novation. An assignment is preferential for parties that would like to continue performing their obligations, but also transition some of their rights to another party.

A novation occurs when a party would like to transfer both the benefits and the burden within a contract to another party. Similar to assignment, the benefits are transferred, but unlike assignment, the burden is also transferred. When a novation is completed, the original contract is deleted and is replaced with a new one. In this new contract, a third party is now responsible for the obligations and rights. Generally, novation does not cancel any past obligations or rights under the initial contract, although it is possible to novate these as well.

Novation needs to be approved by both parties of the original contract and the new joining third party. Some amount of consideration must also be provided in the new contract in order for it to be novated, unless the novation is cited in a deed that is signed by all parties to the contract. In this situation, consideration is referring to something of value that is being gained through the contract.

Novation occurs when the purchaser to the original agreement is attempting to replace the seller of an original contract. Once novated, the original seller is released from any obligation under the initial contract. The SCC has established a three-point test to implement novation. The asserting party must prove:

• The purchaser accepts complete liability
• The creditor to the original contract accepts the purchaser as the official debtor, and not simply as a guarantor or agent of the seller
• The creditor to the original contract accepts the new contract as the replacement for the old one

Also, the SSC insisted that if a new agreement doesn't exist, the court would not find novation unless the precedence was unusually compelling.

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Deed of Assignment or Deed of Novation: Key Differences and Legal Implications of Novation and Assignment Contracts

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• March 13, 2024
• Building and Construction Contracts , Building and Construction Law , Commercial and Business Case Law and Legislation

Novation and assignment stand out as pivotal processes for the transfer of contractual rights and obligations. These legal concepts allow a party to the contract to adapt to changing circumstances, ensuring that business arrangements remain relevant and effective. This article explores the nuances of novation and assignment, shedding light on their distinct legal implications, procedures, and practical applications. Whether you’re a business owner navigating the transfer of service contracts, or an individual looking to understand your rights and responsibilities in a contractual relationship, or a key stakeholder in a construction contract, this guide will equip you with the essential knowledge to navigate these complex legal processes.

Table of Contents

• What is a Deed of Novation? 
• What is a Deed of Assignment? 

Key Differences Between Novation and Assignment Deeds

Need a deed of novation or assignment key factors to consider, selecting the right assignment clause for your contract – helping you make the right choice, what is a deed of novation.

Novation is a legal process that allows a new party to a contract to take the place of an original party in a contract, thereby transferring both the responsibilities and benefits under the contract to a third party. In common law, transferring contractual obligations through novation requires the agreement of all original parties involved in the contract, as well as the new party. This is because novation effectively terminates the original contract and establishes a new one.

A novation clause typically specifies that a contract cannot be novated without the written consent of the current parties. The inclusion of such a clause aims to preclude the possibility of novation based on verbal consent or inferred from the actions of a continuing party. Nevertheless, courts will assess the actual events that transpired, and a novation clause may not always be enforceable. It’s possible for a novation clause to allow for future novation by one party acting alone to a party of their choosing. Courts will enforce a novation carried out in this manner if it is sanctioned by the correct interpretation of the original contract.

Novation is frequently encountered in business and contract law, offering a means for parties to transfer their contractual rights and duties to another, which can be useful if the original party cannot meet their obligations or wishes to transfer their contract rights. For novation to occur, there must be unanimous consent for the substitution of the new party for the original one, necessitating a three-way agreement among the original party, the new party, and the remaining contract party. Moreover, the novation agreement must be documented in writing and signed by all involved parties. Understanding novation is essential in the realms of contracts and business dealings, as it provides a way for parties to delegate their contractual rights and responsibilities while freeing themselves from the original agreement.

What is a Deed of Assignment?

A deed of assignment is a legal document that facilitates the transfer of a specific right or benefit from one party (the assignor) to another (the assignee). This process allows the assignee to step into the assignor’s position, taking over both the rights and obligations under the original contract. In construction, this might occur when a main contractor assigns rights under a subcontract to the employer, allowing the employer to enforce specific subcontractor duties directly if the contractor fails.

Key aspects of an assignment include:

• Continuation of the Original Contract: The initial agreement remains valid and enforceable, despite the transfer of rights or benefits.
• Assumption of Rights and Obligations: The assignee assumes the role of the assignor, adopting all associated rights and responsibilities as outlined in the original contract.
• Requirement for Written Form: The assignment must be documented in writing, signed by the assignor, and officially communicated to the obligor (the party obligated under the contract).
• Subject to Terms and Law: The ability to assign rights or benefits is governed by the specific terms of the contract and relevant legal statutes.

At common law, parties generally have the right to assign their contractual rights without needing consent from the other party involved in the contract. However, this does not apply if the rights are inherently personal or if the contract includes an assignment clause that restricts or modifies this general right. Many contracts contain a provision requiring the consent of the other party for an assignment to occur, ensuring that rights are not transferred without the other party’s knowledge.

Once an assignment of rights is made, the assignee gains the right to benefit from the contract and can initiate legal proceedings to enforce these rights. This enforcement can be done either independently or alongside the assignor, depending on whether the assignment is legal or equitable. It’s important to note that while rights under the contract can be assigned, the contractual obligations or burdens cannot be transferred in this manner. Therefore, the assignor remains liable for any obligations under the contract that are not yet fulfilled at the time of the assignment.

Choosing Between Assignment and Novation in a Construction Contract

Choosing between a deed of novation and an assignment agreement depends on the specific circumstances and objectives of the parties involved in a contract. Both options serve to transfer rights and obligations but in fundamentally different ways, each with its own legal implications, risks, and benefits. Understanding these differences and considering various factors can help in making an informed decision that aligns with your goals.

The choice between assignment and novation in a construction project scenario, where, for instance, an employer wishes to engage a subcontractor directly due to loss of confidence in the main contractor, hinges on several factors. These are:

• Nature of the Contract:  The type of contract you’re dealing with (e.g., service, sales) can influence which option is more suitable. For instance, novation might be preferred for service contracts where obligations are personal and specific to the original parties.
• Parties Involved: Consent is a key factor. Novation requires the agreement of all original and new parties, making it a viable option only when such consent is attainable. Assignment might be more feasible if obtaining consent from all parties poses a challenge.
• Complexity of the Transaction: For transactions involving multiple parties and obligations, novation could be more appropriate as it ensures a clean transfer of all rights and obligations. Assignment might leave the original party with ongoing responsibilities.
• Time and Cost: Consider the practical aspects, such as the time and financial cost associated with each option. Novation typically involves more complex legal processes and might be more time-consuming and costly than an assignment.

If the intention is merely to transfer the rights of the subcontractor’s work to the employer without altering the subcontractor’s obligations under a contract, an assignment might suffice. However, if the goal is to completely transfer the main contractor’s contractual role and obligations to the employer or another entity, novation would be necessary, ensuring that all parties consent to this new arrangement and the original contractor is released from their obligations.

The legal interpretations and court decisions highlight the importance of the document’s substance over its label. Even if a document is titled a “Deed of Assignment,” it could function as a novation if it transfers obligations and responsibilities and involves the consent of all parties. The key is to clearly understand and define the objective behind changing the contractual relationships and to use a deed — assignment or novation — that best achieves the desired legal and practical outcomes, ensuring the continuity and successful completion of the construction project.

Understanding the distinction between assignment deeds and novation deeds is crucial for anyone involved in contractual agreements. Novation offers a clean slate by transferring both rights and obligations to a new party, requiring the consent of all involved. Assignment, conversely, allows for the transfer of contractual benefits without altering the original contract’s obligations. Each method serves different strategic purposes, from simplifying transitions to preserving original contractual duties. The choice between novation and assignment hinges on specific legal, financial, and practical considerations unique to each situation. At PBL Law Group, we specialise in providing comprehensive legal advice and support in contract law. Our team is dedicated to helping clients understand their options and make informed decisions that align with their legal and business objectives. Let’s discuss!

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What Is Novation?

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Novation: Definition in Contract Law, Types, Uses, and Example

Investopedia / Julie Bang

Novation is the replacement of one of the parties in an agreement between two parties, with the consent of all three parties involved. To novate is to replace an old obligation with a new one.

For example, a supplier who wants to relinquish a business customer might find another source for the customer. If all three agree, the contract can be torn up and replaced with a new contract that differs only in the name of the supplier. The old supplier relinquishes all rights and obligations of the contract to the new supplier.

Key Takeaways

• To novate is to replace an old obligation with a new one.
• In contract law, a novation replaces one of the parties in a two-party agreement with a third party, with the agreement of all three parties.
• In a novate, the original contract is void. The party that drops out has given up its benefits and obligations.
• In the financial markets, using a clearinghouse to vet a transaction between two parties is known as a novation.
• Novation is different than an assignment, where the original party to the agreement retains ultimate responsibility. Therefore, the original contract remains in place.

In legal language, novation is a transfer of both the "benefits and the burdens" of a contract to another party. Contract benefits may be anything. For example, the benefit could be payments for services. The burdens are the obligations taken on to earn the payment—in this example, the services. One party to the contract is willing to forgo the benefits and relinquish the duties.

Canceling a contract can be messy, expensive, and bad for an entity's reputation. Arranging for another party to fulfill the contract on the same terms, with the agreement of all parties, is better business.

Novations are often seen in the construction industry, where subcontractors may be juggling several jobs at once. Contractors may transfer certain jobs to other contractors with the client's consent.

Novations are most frequently used when a business is sold, or a corporation is taken over. The new owner may want to retain the business's contractual obligations, while the other parties want to continue their agreements without interruption. Novations smooth the transition.

Types of Novations

There are three types of novations:

• Standard : This novation occurs when two parties agree that new terms must be added to their contract, resulting in a new one.
• Expromissio : Three parties must be involved in this novation; a transferor, a counterparty, and a transferee. All three must agree to the new terms and make a new contract.
• Delegation : One of the parties in a contract passes their responsibilities to a new party, legally binding that party to the terms of the contract.

A novation is an alternative to the procedure known as an assignment .

In an assignment, one person or business transfers rights or property to another person or business. But the assignment passes along only the benefits, while any obligations remain with the original contract party. Novations pass along both benefits and potential liabilities to the new party.

For example, a sub-lease is an assignment. The original rental contract remains in place. The landlord can hold the primary leaseholder responsible for damage or non-payment by the sub-letter.

Novation gives rights and the obligations to the new party, and the old one walks away. The original contract is nullified.

In property law, novation occurs when a tenant signs a lease over to another party, which assumes both the responsibility for the rent and the liability for any subsequent damages to the property, as indicated in the original lease.

Generally, an assignment and a novation require the approval of all three parties involved.

A sub-lease agreement is usually an assignment, not a novation. The primary leaseholder remains responsible for non-payment or damage.

Novation Uses

Because a novation replaces a contract, it can be used in any business, industry, or market where contracts are used.

Financial Markets

In financial markets, novations are generally used in credit default swaps, options, or futures when contracts are transferred to a derivatives  market clearinghouse. A bilateral transaction is completed through the clearinghouse , which functions as an intermediary.

The sellers transfer the rights to and obligations of their securities to the clearinghouse. The clearinghouse, in turn, sells the securities to the buyers. Both the transferor (the seller) and transferee (the buyer) must agree to the terms of the novation, and the remaining party (the clearinghouse) must consent by a specific deadline. If the remaining party doesn't consent, the transferor and transferee must book a new trade and go through the process again.

Real Estate

Contracts are a part of real estate transactions, so novation is a valuable tool in the industry. If buyers and sellers enter into a contract, novation allows them to change it when issues arise during due diligence, inspection, or closing.

Commercial and residential rental contracts can be changed using novation if tenants or renters experience changes that affect their needs or ability to make payments.

Government Contracting

Federal, state, and local governments find it cheaper and beneficial for the economy to contract specific tasks rather than create an official workforce. Contracts are critical components for private or public companies who win a bid to do work for governments. If the contractor suddenly can't deliver on the contract or other issues prevent it from completing its task, the contractor can ask the government to recognize another party to complete the project.

A novation is not a unilateral contract mechanism. All concerned parties may negotiate the terms until a consensus is reached.

Banks use novation to transfer loans or other debts to different lenders. This typically involves canceling the contract and creating a new one with the exact terms and conditions of the old one.

Example of Novation

Novation can occur between any two parties. Consider the following example—Maria signed a contract with Chris to buy a cryptocurrency for $200. Chris has a contract with Uni for the same type of cryptocurrency for $200. These debt obligations may be simplified through a novation. By agreement of all three parties, a novation agreement is drawn, with a new contract in which Chris transfers the debt and its obligations to Maria. Maria pays Uni $200 in crypto. Chris receives (and pays) nothing.

Novations also allow for revisions of payment terms as long as the parties involved agree. For example, say Uni decided not to accept crypto but wanted cash instead. If Maria agrees, a novation occurs, and new payment terms are entered on a contract.

What Is a Novation?

In novation, one party in a two-party agreement gives up all rights and obligations outlined in a contract to a third party. As a result, the original contract is canceled.

What Is The Meaning of Novation Agreement?

In novation, the rights and obligations of one party to a two-party contract are transferred to a third party, with the agreement of all three parties.

Is Novation a New Contract?

Yes, because the old contract is invalidated or "extinguished" when the new contract is signed.

In a novation, when all parties agree, one party in a two-party agreement gives up all rights and obligations outlined in a contract to a third party. As a result, the original contract is canceled.

Novation differs from an assignment, where one party gives up all rights outlined in the contract but remains responsible for fulfilling its terms. The original contract remains in place.

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What Is the Difference Between Assignment and Novation?

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Assignments

Other differences between an assignment and novation, choosing between assignment and novation, key takeaways.

To further your commercial endeavours, you may wish to transfer your rights under a contract to another party. The primary legal mechanisms for transferring the rights or obligations under a contract to a third party are assignment, which involves transferring benefits or rights and novation, which facilitates the transfer of both rights/benefits and obligations. It is crucial to understand that these concepts are different. Unfortunately, many people tend to confuse the two, leading to unwanted consequences in relation to legal contracts. This article will explore the key differences between the two.

Under a contract, where a party (the original party to the contract) is initiating an ‘assignment’ , they are transferring some or all of their contractual rights to a third party, known as the “assignor”. The recipient of those contractual rights is known as the “assignee”. For instance, a party can transfer the right to receive payment or benefits under the contract through an assignment.

Following an assignment, the assignee gains the right to the benefits of the contract that the assignor has assigned. Furthermore, they gain the authority to initiate legal proceedings, either individually or in conjunction with the assignor. It is important to note, however, that the assignee does not become a contracting party to the original agreement. Under assignment, contractual burdens and liabilities cannot be transferred. Therefore, the assignor retains responsibility for fulfilling any remaining contractual obligations that still need to be discharged.

In most cases, assignment necessitates the consent of the obligor (the party obligated to fulfil the contract). The obligor needs to agree to the assignee taking over the rights held by the assignor. Additionally, the assignor must provide notice to the obligor about the assignment. This notice serves to inform the obligor that they should now deal with the assignee regarding the assigned rights.

By comparison, a novation agreement achieves the transfer of both rights and obligations to a third party. Here, the new party (the “novatee”) steps into the shoes of the original party (the “novator”) and assumes both the rights and obligations. 

A novation agreement essentially terminates the contract with the original party and creates a new contract with the new party. A novation agreement means you can substitute one party for another without changing the obligations agreed to in the original contract. 

Novation most often arises in big corporate takeovers or on the sale of a business. On takeover, deeds of novation are used to transfer contracts from the seller to the buyer and allow the buyer to carry on the seller’s business.

All involved parties, including the remaining contractual party, the novator, and the novatee, must unanimously agree to the novation. It is a collective decision to replace the old contract with a new one.

Novation creates an entirely new legal relationship. The old contract is set aside, and the new contract, which includes the novatee, comes into effect. Following novation, the novator is released from all obligations and liabilities associated with the original contract.

The choice between assignment and novation depends on various factors.

If a party wishes to maintain some level of involvement and responsibility in the original contract, assignment is often the better choice. It enables the transfer of specific rights while retaining some obligations. For a complete break from the original contract, where a party wishes to shed all obligations and liabilities, novation may be preferential.

One of the most important and sometimes overlooked steps is to document what you have agreed to in writing. Have your agreement written up, signed and stored safely. The area where most disputes and disagreements arise is where parties have not written down what they agree to. This results in a conflict that could have been easily avoided.

When you are ready to sell your business and begin the next chapter, it is important to understand the moving parts that will impact a successful sale.

This How to Sell Your Business Guide covers all the essential topics you need to know about selling your business.

If you intend to assign your rights under a contract to a third party, you can do so through an assignment or a novation. However, be aware that these differ. An assignment gives some rights to a third party, whereas a novation transfers both rights and obligations to a third party. Ensure that whichever method you choose, you document this in a written agreement.

If you need further assistance with an assignment or novation, our experienced contract lawyers can assist you as part of our LegalVision membership. For a low monthly fee, you will have unlimited access to lawyers to answer your questions and draft and review your documents. Call us today on 1300 544 755 or visit our membership page .

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Government Contract Novation Vs Assignment of Contract & FAR 42.1204 Novation Clause

All should be aware that the contracting officer does not have to approve every assignment of contract transactions under the FAR 42.1204 contract novation clause .

• Avoid the costly mistake of assuming that the government must approve all novations.
• If done improperly, contractors can be found in breach of contract terms and can even face suspension or debarment .

Novation Agreement FAR 42.1204 Definition

In federal government contracting,  developing a novation can be somewhat unique because depending on the facts of each case, the original parties may still be responsible for performance to the government.  Whereas, in the commercial sector, the contract novation definition means that a new party to the contract essential substitutes the original party. In other words in the commercial sector, the original party’s obligation is discharged and substitution of an original party to a contract with a new party, or substitution of an original contract with a new contract.

Federal Government Contract Novation vs Assignment of Contract

Business Asset Purchase Agreement and Contract Assignment  Clause Issues

What is the difference between assignment and novation? Simply executing a business asset purchase agreement and a signed novation contact agreement  when buying or selling a business is not the end of the legal analysis when there is a government contract involved.  The contracting officer must approve the assignment of government contracts and or novation agreement . Your novation letter should address critical issues that answer the contracting officer’s concerns about the risk of performance. Novating government contracts is all about minimizing the risk to the agency.

In one case , SBA OHA ignored the argument that when novating a contract, its purchase and sale contract with the buyer had the legal effect of divesting the seller of any control over the current contracts. In that case, there was no formally approved novation agreement FAR contract. As a result, the whole transaction went to waste because the parties lacked a full understanding of the rules. A Government contract may not be automatically transferred to a third party. See 41 USC 15.

• In government contracting, if there is a performance problem, for example in construction, and a termination for default is an issue, or the surety is called upon for obligations under a performance bond, then the original party may not necessarily be discharged.
• Assignment of government contracts decisions, when there is a purchase and sale agreement involving a company that has existing government contracts, should be met with caution.

On the issue of contract novation vs assignment , although the FAR 42.1204 assignment novation clause allows the buying and selling parties to execute a novation vs assignment agreement due to an asset purchase or stock sale, companies should still assess legal issues related to violation of SBA small business size standards. 

• Companies should always keep the agency involved from the beginning of the process to the end.

41 USC 6305 – Contract Assignment Clause – Prohibition on transfer of contract and certain allowable assignments

Under the federal contract assignment clauses, when there are business sales that involve government contracts, the purchase and sale agreement suggests that the contracts would be transferred to the buyer either through a business asset purchase agreement sale or stock sale.

However, the reality is that although FAR 42.1204 allows for a novation of contract agreement, the contracting officer is not obligated to approve it.  A federal government contracting agency, only when it determines it to be in its interest, may accept a third party as the successor in interest when the third party’s interest in the contract arises out of the transfer of all of the contractor’s assets or the entire portion of the contractor’s assets involved in performing the contract. FAR 42.1204 (a). See also How Do Federal Government Contractors Deal With COVID-19 Problems ?

• The contracting officer is not forced to approve the  FAR novation clause language if the transaction is not in the government’s best interest.
• If the government declines to novate a contract, the original contractor is still responsible for performance. FAR 42.1204 (c) contract novation clause.
• If the assignment of contract is not recognized by the contracting officer, and the original contractor does not perform, the original contractor can be terminated for default.

Potential SBA Size Standard Violations

When assessing government novation contract law rules, the SBA found in one case that since there was no approved assignment of the contract through an approved government novation agreement, the two businesses were deemed affiliated through the identity of interest rule.

On appeal, OHA found that since there was no formal contract novation, the seller was still responsible for the contract performance, and both companies were in the same line of business. In that case, the SBA also found that there was no clear fracture between the buyer and seller. The two businesses were therefore also affiliated with the newly organized concern rule.

Help With Government Contracting Companies for Sale

Oftentimes, buyers and sellers do not understand the complex regulations involved with government contracting companies for sale. Not only are novation agreements a potential issue, the due diligence needed and the ability to address buyers’ other business relationships that can impact their small business size status can be a huge problem. Contact Theodore Watson at 720.941.7200 for immediate help.

Legal Issues Regarding Novation Vs Assignment 

Assignment vs novation. Know the difference: There are several legal issues that arise under federal contract novation agreement FAR law during the purchase and business sales, assignment and transfer of federal contracts when government contracts are involved.  Common issues that occur with the assignment novation clause terms include: (1) whether the seller is simply trying to sell the contract with no real assets, (2) how to structure the asset purchase agreement and whether wait for contracting officer novation approval first and (3) to what degree does the contracting officer have to approve the novation. The first step is to be proactive in the early stages of the asset purchase or stock sale process.

Having the right contract clauses in the sales agreement is critical in the event that the contracting officer does not approve the contract novation. Other issues with novating a contract include the buyer maintaining its small business status in the event of recertification or option year decisions. Find out more about Signs of Being Under Investigation (Federal)

For additional questions about what is the difference between assignment and novation for federal contractors buying and selling a business that includes an assignment and FAR novation agreement or assignment of contract issues under FAR 42.1204 novation clause, or need help with government contracting companies for sale, call Watson & Associates’ government  contract novation law lawyers for immediate help. Call 1-866-601-5518. FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.

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Assignment and Novation: Spot the Difference 12 November 2020

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• EPC Contract
• Power Plant

The English Technology and Construction Court has found that the assignment of a sub-contract from a main contractor to an employer upon termination of an EPC contract will, in the absence of express intention to the contrary, transfer both accrued and future contractual benefits.

In doing so, Mrs Justice O’Farrell has emphasised established principles on assignment and novation, and the clear conceptual distinction between them. While this decision affirms existing authority, it also highlights the inherent risks for construction contractors in step-in assignment arrangements.

"This decision shows the court’s desire to give effect to clear contractual provisions, particularly in complex construction contracts, even where doing so puts a party in a difficult position."

This preliminary issues judgment in the matter of Energy Works (Hull) Ltd v MW High Tech Projects UK Ltd & Others¹ , is the latest in a long series of decisions surrounding the Energy Works plant, a fluidised bed gasification energy-from-waste power plant in Hull². The defendant, MW High Tech Projects UK Ltd (“MW”), was engaged as the main contractor by the claimant and employer, Energy Works (Hull) Ltd (“EWHL”), under an EPC contract entered into in November 2015. Through a sub-contract, MW engaged Outotec (USA) Inc (“Outotec”) to supply key elements for the construction of the plant.

By March 2019, issues had arisen with the project. EWHL terminated the main contract for contractor default and, pursuant to a term in the EPC contract, asked MW to assign to it MW’s sub-contract with Outotec. The sub-contract permitted assignment, but MW and EWHL were unable to agree a deed of assignment. Ultimately, MW wrote to EWHL and Outotec, notifying them both that it was assigning the sub-contract to EWHL. EWHL subsequently brought £133m proceedings against MW, seeking compensation for the cost of defects and delay in completion of the works. The defendant disputed the grounds of the termination, denied EWHL’s claims, and sought to pass on any liability to Outotec through an additional claim under the sub-contract. Outotec disputed MW’s entitlement to bring the additional claim on the grounds that MW no longer had any rights under the sub-contract, because those rights had been assigned to EWHL.

The parties accepted that a valid transfer in respect of the sub-contract had taken place. However, MW maintained that the assignment only transferred future rights under the sub-contract and that all accrued rights – which would include the right to sue Outotec for any failure to perform in accordance with the sub-contract occurring prior to the assignment – remained with MW. In the alternative, MW argued that the transfer had been intended as a novation such that all rights and liabilities had been transferred. As a secondary point, MW also claimed eligibility for a contribution from Outotec under the Civil Liability (Contribution) Act 1978 for their alleged partial liability³.

An assignment is a transfer of a right from one party to another. Usually this is the transfer by one party of its rights and remedies, under a contract with a counterparty, to a third party. However, importantly, the assignor remains liable for any obligations it owes under the contract. As an example, Party A can assign to Party C its right to receive goods under a contract with Party B, but it will remain liable to pay Party B for those goods. Section 136 of the Law of Property Act 1926 requires a valid statutory assignment to be absolute, in writing, and on notice to the contractual counterparty.

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Mark McAllister-Jones

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"In the absence of any clear contrary intention, reference to assignment of the contract by parties is understood to mean assignment of the benefit, that is, accrued and future rights."

In this case, the precise scope of the transferred rights and the purported assignment of contractual obligations were in issue. Mrs Justice O’Farrell looked to the House of Lords’ decision in Linden Gardens⁴ to set out three relevant principles on assignment:

• Subject to any express contractual restrictions, a party to a contract can assign the benefit of a contract, but not the burden, without the consent of the other party to the contract;
• In the absence of any clear contrary intention, reference to assignment of the contract by parties is understood to mean assignment of the benefit, that is, accrued and future rights; and
• It is possible to assign only future rights under a contract (i.e. so that the assignor retains any rights which have already accrued at the date of the assignment), but clear words are needed to give effect to such an intention.

Hence, in relation to MW’s first argument, it is theoretically possible to separate future and accrued rights for assignment, but this can only be achieved through “careful and intricate drafting, spelling out the parties’ intentions”. The judge held that, since such wording was absent here, MW had transferred all its rights, both accrued and future, to EWHL, including its right to sue Outotec.

Whereas assignment only transfers a party’s rights under a contract, novation transfers both a party’s rights and its obligations . Strictly speaking, the original contract is extinguished and a new one formed between the incoming party and the remaining party to the original contract. This new contract has the same terms as the original, unless expressly agreed otherwise by the parties.

Another key difference from assignment is that novation requires the consent of all parties involved, i.e. the transferring party, the counterparty, and the incoming party. With assignment, the transferring party is only required to notify its counterparty of the assignment. Consent to a novation can be given when the original contract is first entered into. However, when giving consent to a future novation, the parties must be clear what the terms of the new contract will be.

"Mrs Justice O’Farrell stressed that “it is a matter for the parties to determine the basis on which they allocate risk within the contractual matrix.”"

A novation need not be in writing. However, the desire to show that all parties have given the required consent, the use of deeds of novation to avoid questions of consideration, and the use of novation to transfer ‘key’ contracts, particularly in asset purchase transactions, means that they often do take written form. A properly drafted novation agreement will usually make clear whether the outgoing party remains responsible for liabilities accrued prior to the transfer, or whether these become the incoming party’s problem.

As with any contractual agreement, the words used by the parties are key. Mrs Justice O’Farrell found that the use of the words “assign the sub-contract” were a strong indication that in this case the transfer was intended to be an assignment, and not a novation.

This decision reaffirms the established principles of assignment and novation and the distinction between them. It also shows the court’s desire to give effect to clear contractual provisions, particularly in complex construction contracts, even where doing so puts a party in a difficult position. Here, it was found that MW had transferred away its right to pursue Outotec for damages under the sub-contract, but MW remained liable to EWHL under the EPC contract. As a result, EWHL had the right to pursue either or both of MW and Outotec for losses arising from defects in the Outotec equipment, but where it chose to pursue only MW, MW had no contractual means of recovering from Outotec any sums it had to pay to EWHL. Mrs Justice O’Farrell stressed that “it is a matter for the parties to determine the basis on which they allocate risk within the contractual matrix.” A contractor in MW’s position can still seek from a sub-contractor a contribution in respect of its liability to the employer under the Civil Liability (Contribution) Act 1978 (as the judge confirmed MW was entitled to do in this case). However, the wording of the Act is very specific, and it may not always be possible to pass down a contractual chain all, or any, of a party’s liability.

Commercially, contractors often assume some risk of liability to the employer without the prospect of recovery from a sub-contractor, such as where the sub-contractor becomes insolvent, or where the sub-contract for some reason cannot be negotiated and agreed on back-to-back terms with the EPC contract. However, contractors need to consider carefully the ramifications of provisions allowing the transfer of sub-contracts to parties further up a contractual chain and take steps to ensure such provisions reflect any agreement as to the allocation of risk on a project.

This article was authored by London Dispute Resolution Co-Head and Partner Rebecca Williams , Senior Associate Mark McAllister-Jones and Gerard Rhodes , a trainee solicitor in the London office.

[1] [2020] EWHC 2537 (TCC)

[2] See, for example, the decisions in Premier Engineering (Lincoln) Ltd v MW High Tech Projects UK Ltd [2020] EWHC 2484, reported in our article here , Engie Fabricom (UK) Ltd v MW High Tech Projects UK Ltd [2020] EWHC 1626 (TCC) and C Spencer Limited v MW High Tech Projects UK Limited [2020] EWCA Civ 331, reported in our article here .

[3] The Civil Liability (Contribution) Act 1978 allows that “ any person liable in respect of any damage suffered by another person may recover contribution from any other person liable in respect of the same damage whether jointly with him or otherwise .”

[4] Linden Gardens Trust Ltd v Lenesta Sludge Disposals Ltd [1994] 1 AC 85

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Legal briefing - Novation and assignment of contracts

Publication date: 19 May 2017

In this issue:

What is the difference between novation and assignment?

When is a novation or assignment required and which one do you use, issues to consider when deciding whether to agree to a novation or assignment, executing the novation or assignment.

Commonwealth entities encounter a variety of situations where contractual rights and obligations may need to be transferred from one legal entity to another. This can arise where a supplier is restructuring its operations or as part of a sale of a business. In these situations, there are 2 legal tools available to achieve a transfer of rights or obligations: novation and assignment. This legal briefing sets out some key considerations for Commonwealth entities when considering a novation or assignment.

While this legal briefing looks at novation and assignment of contracts generally, additional issues can arise in the context of interests in land, such as leases – these issues are beyond the scope of this legal briefing.

The following table compares the general principles that distinguish novation from assignment. 1

Table 1: Differences between novation and assignment

A novation is the mechanism by which a contract is terminated and a new contract is made between different or additional parties. 2 The new contract is generally on the same terms as the original contract. A novation has the effect of substituting one party for another party without necessarily changing the rights and obligations under the original contract. The rights and obligations under the original contract can be transferred to the new party.

A novation requires the consent of all the parties to the original contract as well as the consent of the new party. 3 It is a tripartite agreement between the original parties and the new party. Consent of all the parties to enter into the agreement is therefore crucial. 4 A novation usually takes the form of a deed.

Example of novation

The Commonwealth and B have a contract under which B provides certain services.

B is proposing to sell its business to C. C is prepared to take on B’s obligation under the contract with the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth undertakes its due diligence and agrees to the substitution of B with C. For the substitution to occur, a novation is needed. Once the novation is signed, C is responsible to the Commonwealth for the services under the contract.

The following diagram demonstrates this novation.

Diagram 1: Transfer of both rights and obligations

An assignment is the mechanism by which a party to a contract (the assignor) transfers its existing rights and benefits under that contract to a third party (the assignee). 5 Importantly, the assignor cannot transfer its burdens, obligations or liabilities to the assignee through an assignment. 6 This means that the assignor is not released from its obligations under the contract. Further, the assignee does not become a party to the original contract but can enforce their right to receive the assigned benefits.

An assignment does not require a new contract. The assignor must only record the assignment in writing, 7 sign it and provide written notice of the assignment to the other party to the contract. At law it is possible for an assignment of rights to take place without the consent of the other party to the contract. 8 This can be problematic if the other party to the contract prefers to deal with the assignor rather than the new third party. For this reason, most Commonwealth contracts contain a clause which prevents the contractor from assigning its rights under the contract, in whole or in part, without first obtaining the written consent of the Commonwealth. Sometimes the contract will also provide that the Commonwealth is not obliged to give its consent. Sometimes, this clause will refer to the consent not being ‘unreasonably withheld’.

Example of assignment

The Commonwealth and B have a contract under which B provides consultancy services to the Commonwealth. B wants to transfer its right to receive payment for the services to a third party, C. For this to occur, B can assign its rights to receive payment under the contract to C. This can be achieved through a deed of assignment between B and C. At law, the assignment can occur without any involvement of or consent from the Commonwealth. Importantly, B continues to remain a party to the contract with the Commonwealth, so B is still obliged to perform the services and B’s contractual liabilities remain unchanged. However, the third party, C, will have a legally enforceable right to receive the Commonwealth’s payment for the services that B performs.

Although C is not made a party to the original contract between the Commonwealth and B, the practical result of the assignment is that C can enforce the right to receive payment under the contract against the Commonwealth.

The following diagram demonstrates this arrangement.

Diagram 2: Transfer of rights only

Commonwealth entities are often asked to consider requests to novate or assign agreements. These requests can arise with funding agreements, contracts for goods and services and other agreements for a variety of reasons.

Where a change to the underlying contractual arrangements is requested, the Commonwealth entity will need to consider whether the proposed change is acceptable and determine whether a novation or an assignment is most appropriate. 9

Do I use a novation or an assignment?

Is the new party taking over both rights and obligations , with the existing contractor not to have an ongoing role under the contract?

• a novation will usually be required.

Is the new party taking over contractual rights only , with the existing contractor continuing to be responsible for performing obligations?

• an assignment will usually be required.

The table below outlines some common situations in which the question of novation or assignment might arise.

Table 2: Circumstances that may result in a novation or assignment

When an agency is considering whether to agree to a novation or assignment, there will be a range of matters that will need to be addressed. In some cases, it may be appropriate to terminate the existing contract and undertake a new procurement or funding process.

First, the terms of the existing contract should be considered. The contract may include provisions dealing directly with novation or assignment. Many Commonwealth contracts prohibit novation or assignment without the consent of the Commonwealth entity. This allows the Commonwealth entities to carefully select their suppliers, contractors, funding recipients and other parties that they are dealing with. It is common for these contractual provisions to specify that the Commonwealth will not unreasonably withhold approval for novation or assignment. Conversely, the contract may include a standing consent 11  by the Commonwealth to certain kinds of novation or assignment (for example, within the same corporate group). Even in this case, a formal deed of novation will usually still be required.

Second, when an agency is deciding whether to agree to a novation or assignment, it may need to consider a range of approval processes and risk management requirements that apply to this commitment of relevant money. It may be necessary to check the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (in particular, s 15, s 16 and ss 25–29), the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Rules 2014 (in particular, rule 18), the accountable authority instructions and other applicable legislation that may specifically apply to the contract.

Third, although strictly not directly relevant to the novation or assignment, it is common for variations to the contract to be raised at the same time. Agencies should approach any request for a variation as part of a novation or assignment in the same way they would at any other point in the contract period.

Due diligence

The information you need will vary from case to case but might include the following.

Background entity information on the new party

• What are the management capabilities of the entity?
• Has the Commonwealth previously dealt with the entity?
• Is the body a foreign entity? If so, advice may be required as to whether it has executed a binding contract.
• Is the body a partnership or unincorporated association? If so, who will be bound by the contract following the novation?
• Is the body the trustee of a trust? If so, does the trustee have the requisite authority under the trust deed?
• Do you have information on any relevant ‘fit and proper person’ considerations?

Financial status information

• How does the financial status of the new contractor compare with that of the existing contractor?
• Should you seek a parent guarantee or other security (is the body a $2 company)?
• Do you require independent financial advice on any figures that the new party has provided?
• Can the new party meet the insurance requirements specified in the contract?

Evidence of the company’s ability to perform the contract

• What is happening to any key personnel under the contract? Are they moving to the new party?
• Will the new party have access to all relevant facilities and specialist equipment?
• Does the new party hold all relevant licences and registrations?
• Do you have evidence that the company will satisfy the conditions or requirements of the contract – for example, will it hold funding in a special account or satisfy milestone requirements or any relevant eligibility criteria for funding?

Proposed transitional arrangements

If it is decided that a novation or assignment will be agreed to then it may be necessary to put transitional arrangements in place. Matters that may need to be considered will include the following:

• What are the interim arrangements for performance of the activity (for example, arrangements between the time the novation is agreed to and the deed of novation is executed)?
• Is there a transition plan?
• What resources will be needed to manage the transition? Who will bear the cost?

Novations: matters to consider

• Is the Commonwealth satisfied that the new contractor can perform the obligations under the contract and manage risk? Is the new contractor an acceptable entity to contract with in terms of due diligence process on probity issues, financial viability and capability?
• Who will be liable for past performance or defaults before the new contractor takes over? Will the existing contractor remain liable for its performance or will the new contractor take on responsibility for any problems with the original contractor’s performance?
• Will the novation have any impact on subcontracts or other contracts – for example, contracts with other parties working on the same site?
• Are there any issues with the existing contractor’s performance that should be addressed and finalised before agreeing to the deed of novation? Make sure that you do not inadvertently make unintended amendments to the contract. For example, an acknowledgement of correspondence about a proposed novation which mentions a related delay in delivery may be taken to be acceptance of the delay.
• Are there specific issues for the particular type of contract? For example, where a grant agreement deals with assets purchased with the grant, you may need to ensure those assets are being transferred to the new contractor (unless otherwise agreed).
• Are there any existing securities or financial arrangements under the original contract that need to be replaced or updated? For example, even if both the existing and new contractor are subsidiaries of the same parent entity, an existing parent guarantee or other security may need to be amended to cover the new contractor. There may also be Personal Property Security Register entries that need to be updated.
• At what point will the new contractor take over from the existing contractor: the date the novation deed is signed or a different date?
• Are there any additional costs and who will bear these costs? Usually the party that is seeking the novation is required to meet the other party’s costs.

Assignments: matters to consider

• Is the Commonwealth satisfied that the assignor can continue to perform its obligations under the contract without receiving payment?
• Does the assignor have financial viability issues? Has the assignor sold its right to receive payment from the Commonwealth as part of a settlement of a debt with a creditor?
• What is the underlying reason for the proposed assignment?
• Is the proposed assignment detrimental to the Commonwealth?
• Does the contract between the Commonwealth and the proposed assignor propose to create a confidential relationship or an enduring relationship? Does the Commonwealth want to have any engagement with the proposed assignee?

Once an agency has decided to accept a novation or assignment, the new arrangements must be recorded. The original contract may establish the form of instrument required to execute the novation or assignment. 12 In any event, the instrument may need to reflect the following.

A deed of novation will typically:

• substitute one party for another
• include mutual release of future obligations under the original contract between the Commonwealth and the original contractor
• clearly specify responsibilities and liability of the original contractor and the new contractor for the pre-novation period – often supported by indemnities
• include representations and warranties with respect to the power of the original contractor and the new contractor to enter into the deed of novation
• include an agreement as to costs that the parties will bear in connection with the preparation, execution and completion of the novation – it is common for the other parties to pay the Commonwealth’s costs.

A deed of assignment will typically:

• unconditionally transfer the relevant benefit to the assignee, giving the assignee complete control of that benefit, including the right to take legal action to enforce it
• clearly specify whether there will be a redemption or reassignment in the future – for example, upon repayment of a loan
• confirm arrangements for the ongoing performance of the contract by the assignee
• include agreement as to costs to be borne by the parties in connection with the preparation, execution and completion of the assignment – it is common for the other parties to pay the Commonwealth’s costs.

1 See generally Olsson v Dyson (1969) 120 CLR 365, 388.

2 See Olsson v Dyson (1969) 120 CLR 365, 388.

3 See Olsson v Dyson (1969) 120 CLR 365, 388. Note that, in Leveraged Equities Ltd v Goodridge (2011) 191 FCR 71, the Full Federal Court held that it is possible for a contracting party to prospectively authorise a novation to be made by another party unilaterally. See also CSG Ltd v Fuji Xerox Australia Pty Ltd [2011] NSWCA 335,134.

4 See F ightvision Pty Ltd v Onisforou (1999) 47 NSWLR 473, 491–492; and Vickery v Woods (1952) 85 CLR 33, 345.

5 Norman v Federal Commissioner of Taxation (1963) 109 CLR 9, 26.

6 ALH Group Property Holdings Pty Ltd v Chief Commissioner of State Revenue (2012) 245 CLR 338, 346 [12].

7 This is a legislative requirement in each state: see, for example, Property Law Act 1958 (Vic) s 134.

8 See Olsson v Dyson (1969) 120 CLR 365, 388.

9 In CSG Limited v Fuji Xerox Australia Pty Ltd [2011] NSWCA 335, [133], Sackville AJA (Bathurst CJ and Campbell JA agreeing) observed that the end result in a case of novation and a case of assignment may be similar.

10 In some cases the contract may require agency approval to some of these changes or other amendments to the contract. This is different from a novation or assignment.

11 See note 3.

12 In Leveraged Equities Ltd v Goodridge (2011) 191 FCR 71, the Court stressed the importance of drafting novation and assignment clauses in the original contract clearly to avoid ambiguity when one or more parties later seek to novate or assign.

Deputy General Counsel Commercial

Senior Lawyer

The material in this briefing is provided to AGS clients for general information only and should not be relied upon for the purpose of a particular matter. Please contact AGS before any action or decision is taken on the basis of any of the material in this briefing.

Assignment And Novation Agreement

Jump to section, what is an assignment and novation agreement.

An assignment and novation agreement is a contract between two parties where one gives up their rights and responsibilities under an original contract. An assignment cancels the original contract and transfers the rights and responsibilities of one of the parties to another, third party. In novation, one of the parties surrenders their rights but retains the duties they took on under the original contract.

Each of these agreements allow a contract party to give up their rights if they desire. The specific type of agreement necessary depends on whether both parties can agree to removing both rights and responsibilities and canceling the original agreement

Common Sections in Assignment And Novation Agreements

Below is a list of common sections included in Assignment And Novation Agreements. These sections are linked to the below sample agreement for you to explore.

Assignment And Novation Agreement Sample

Reference : Security Exchange Commission - Edgar Database, EX-10.4 5 ex10-4.htm ASSIGNMENT AND NOVATION AGREEMENT , Viewed September 18, 2022, View Source on SEC .

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• 13 March 2018
• Commercial Real Estate

Novation and Assignment: Sisters, Not Twins

There’s often, understandably, a bit of uncertainty about whether (and how) a party to a contract can “assign” (transfer) its rights, or pass on its obligations, under that contract, to another person.

In law, the general rule is that only the original parties to the contract can discharge or fulfil the obligations and enforce the rights created under it and nobody else gets a look in. This is called “privity of contract”.

Essentially, novation and assignment are both mechanisms to get around this restriction. However, while the end result is the same, there are some important differences between these two mechanisms.

Under an assignment, one party (the assignor) keeps performing their obligations under the contract, but transfers some or all rights to a third party (the assignee). The parties to the contract remain the same so privity of contract is preserved.

Assignments can be legal or equitable. In order for an assignment to be a legal assignment, the assignment must be agreed in writing, signed by the assignor, and the other party to the contract must be given notice of the assignment. A legal assignment is usually preferable as this allows the assignee to enforce the rights in their own name directly.

If the assignment is an equitable assignment because it does not fit the criteria for a legal assignment (for example, the other party was not given notice of it), the assignee will need to get the assignor to enforce the assigned rights on its behalf.

Contracts often require the consent of the other party before any assignment can take place. Some contracts expressly prohibit assignment. However, even where there is such wording in the contract, there is nothing stopping you from asking the party to consent to the assignment anyway, though you should take care to record any agreement in writing.

The main point to remember is that you cannot assign obligations under a contract to another party – you can only assign your benefits or rights. Even if the assignee agrees that they will take on the obligations under the contract, it is still the assignor who remains responsible for performance of the obligations and liable if they are not. In practice, what often happens is that the assignee does take over the performance of the contractual obligations but simply agrees to indemnify the assignor for any failures in performance.

It is also important to note that some rights may not be legally capable of assignment.

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When you novate a contract, the original contract effectively ceases to exist and is replaced with a new contract. The new contract contains exactly the same rights and obligations as the original contract, except that it substitutes one of the original parties (the outgoing party) with a third party (the incoming party).

As you are creating a new contract, technically you need to provide fresh consideration. Usually a simple novation agreement between all the parties will be enough, but, if there is any doubt, the parties may choose to execute the novation as a deed instead, which dispenses with the need for consideration.

The novation agreement (or deed) will specify what happens to the liabilities under the original contract. In a typical novation, the outgoing party would be released from all liabilities and the incoming party would inherit these. However, this is up to the parties to decide; they could even decide that the outgoing party will remain liable for all of the liabilities under the original contract.

Novating the contract will release the outgoing party from any future obligations which may arise. This is a crucial difference between novation and assignment.

Although the novation agreement itself can be simple, the process of getting all the parties to the table to agree and execute might be more complex. The main issue for an outgoing party will be persuading the other original party to sign. The other original party often has concerns about service continuity and may want certain assurances or information about the incoming third party.

Equally, the other original party is not obliged to agree: they can refuse to novate and then sue for breach if the party trying to exit the contract fails to meet its contractual obligations. As they still have this other option, in any novation scenario, the outgoing party is probably in a weaker bargaining position, and the other original party may well use this to their advantage.

About this article

• Subject Novation and Assignment: Sisters, Not Twins
• Author Stephen James
• Expertise Commercial Real Estate
• Published 13 March 2018

Disclaimer This information is for guidance purposes only and should not be regarded as a substitute for taking legal advice. Please refer to the full General Notices on our website.

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What Is The Difference Between Assignment And Novation Of A Contract?

What does novation of a contract mean.

This refers to the act of replacing one contractual duty with another.

When all participants to the original contract consent to replacing it with a new one, novation of a contract takes place. You could want to do this for a number of reasons, including adding or removing parties, modifying the terms of the contract, or transfer ownership of the contract to a new owner.

A contract may also be terminated by Novation in order to replace it with a new one. All parties to the old contract must accept the new agreement for novation to be effective. The original contract will continue to apply if even one side cannot come to an agreement.

 What Is The Difference Between Assignment And Novation Of A Contract?

Assignment contract is contract between two parties in which one party transfers its rights under the agreement to the other. The parameters of the assignment, including the amount to be paid and any additional requirements, will be outlined in the assignment contract.

A contract’s rights and duties can be transferred from one party to another through the use of an assignment of contract, which is a legal instrument. This can be done for a number of reasons, including when the original party is no longer able to uphold their end of the bargain or when they want to transfer their rights to another party.

Both parties must sign the assignment in writing for it to be valid, and the new party must accept the contract’s conditions. The act of replacing one contractual duty with another is known as novation.

The act of novation in a contract entails replacing the previous one with a new one. There are many reasons why this could be done, but usually it’s done to represent a shift in the dynamics between the parties.

 For instance, the new firm could seek to implement a new contract that represents its ownership position if it acquires another company. Additionally, Novation may be used to add or remove parties from a contract as well as transfer a contract from one party to another.

 A contract may also be terminated by Novation in order to replace it with a new one. All parties to the old contract must accept the new agreement for novation to be effective. The original contract will continue to apply if even one side cannot come to an agreement.

What Are Some Advantages Of Using A Novation Over A Contract Assignment?

Using a novation as opposed to a contract assignment has a number of benefits.

A novation, as opposed to an assignment, results in a new contract between the parties . In order to more accurately represent the parties’ present requirements and relationship, this new contract may contain provisions that are different from or added to those in the original one.

Second, unlike an assignment, a novation relieves the original contracting parties from their legal responsibility . This is significant if the parties have additional reasons for not wanting to be bound by the contract, or if they consider that fulfillment of the contract may be more difficult or expensive than initially expected.

Thirdly , an assignment can only transfer some rights and responsibilities under a contract, but a novation can transfer all of them.

What Is Novation Of Contract Example?

The act of substituting one party in a contract with another is known as novation. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but typically happens when the original party cannot carry out their end of the bargain.

The three categories of novation are described in general below.

• Standard novation : A contract between 2 people wherein new provisions are added to an earlier contract to create a new contract is known as a standard novation.
• Expromissio: When three parties—the transferor, transferee, and counterparty—are involved in the transfer of rights, exprossimo occurs. In order for the process to continue, all parties must concur on new contract conditions.
• Delegation: Delegation occurs when a new creditor assumes the liabilities and benefits of an existing creditor, relieving the original debtor of their obligations to the first creditor and committing the new party to the former debtor’s obligations.

Is Novation A Breach Of Contract?

Novation of a contract is not classified as a breach of contract. Since there is no new agreement between the parties, it doesn’t constitute as a breach.

In fact, one may argue that it’s better than the original contract since there are no new obligations or damages to deal with when making any decisions; one may even feel that the new contract is more advantageous to them.

After all, you got a better deal with a novation of contract over the original; as opposed to the original, which you had to accept because you or your partner didn’t want to be a party to the deal.

Furthermore, there’s no loss of value involved with a novation. The total amount of the contract does not change; only the parties have changed.

Breach of contract means there is a violation of the terms and conditions of an agreement. The contract may have also been violated by a breach of warranty. A breach of contract takes place when one party does not fulfill their obligations under the contract or violates the provision, which then breaches it.

What Type Of Contract Is A Novation: Assignment Or Novation?

A novation is a legal term to describe the replacement of one party in a contract with another. It is not based on the type of agreement; it merely allows parties to create a new contract with which they are generally satisfied. Therefore, it is not undetermined whether it’s an assignment or novation.

In terms of the original party’s obligations, this type of transaction occurs when the person who signed the original agreement cannot uphold their end of it or decides to go to another party for support.

A novation of contract can be made in a variety of methods, each of which is unique.

The first type doesn’t include any outside interference. Instead, a debtor gets released from the old contract and enters into a new arrangement with the creditor. This novation of contract has no official name; hence it is typically just referred to as a novation.

The second kind of contract novation includes the addition of a new debtor. The old debtor is replaced with this new one, and the creditor agrees to this intervention. The initial debtor is then absolved of the obligation. The expromissor is the new debtor that enters the picture. A contract novation of this kind is known as an expromissio.

The third kind of contract novation entails the replacement of the original creditor with a new creditor. The old creditor releases the debtor and directs the new creditor to assume the debtor’s obligation. A delegation is what is known as a contract novation.

What Is The Difference Between Novation And Remission Of A Contract?

A contract is an agreement signed between two contractual parties that permit the replacement of one participant by another.

Remission refers to the acceptance of less performance either in terms of quantity or quality than which was promised in exchange for complete fulfillment of the agreement.

What Is The Difference Between Modification Of A Contract And Novation?

When all of the contract’s parties agree to replace the current agreement with a new one, this is known as novation. Modification, on the other hand, refers to revising the contract’s terms and conditions with the consent of all parties.

The new contract in novation is between either new parties, the same old parties, or one new party and one old party. In contrast, there is no change in the parties to the contract in the case of an amendment.

The contract’s terms and conditions may or may not be altered in the event of novation. Changes to the contract’s terms and circumstances, however, are always the cause of contract modification. Alteration is also a component of novation.

Unlike modification, which may merely entail changes to the terms and circumstances of the primary agreement, novation requires replacing the current contract with the new one. Modification does not necessarily involve replacing the old contract with the new.

Which Scenario Is An Example Of Contract Novation?

Contract novation is an example of a change in the parties to a contract while maintaining the same original agreement. For example, if you sell your house to another person by novation, you will still be considered the original owner.

For instance, if Company X and Company Y have a contract for the delivery of products or services, but Company  X goes out of business, Company Y may request that Company Z to assume the contract’s obligations. A contract novation is what this is.

The third party to the contract may agree to enable a new firm to assume the contract if a company that was contracted to supply a service goes out of business . By doing this, it is made sure that the service is continually offered and that the original party doesn’t incur any damages: the new party will assume the obligations and pay the damages that would have been due to the previous contract’s party.

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What is the Difference Between an Assignment and a Novation in the UK?

By Edward Carruthers

Updated on 21 November 2022 Reading time: 5 minutes

This article meets our strict editorial principles. Our lawyers, experienced writers and legally trained editorial team put every effort into ensuring the information published on our website is accurate. We encourage you to seek independent legal advice. Learn more .

• What is an Assignment? 

What is a Novation?

Two key differences between an assignment and a novation, key takeaways, frequently asked questions.

As a business owner, you may encounter occasions where you must transfer certain beneficial rights or obligations to a third party. For example, your business may stop performing a service and wish to transfer the rights conveyed to you under a particular contract to another party. An assignment or a novation can help you do this. However, they act in very different ways and have differing requirements. This article will explain the main differences between an assignment and a novation and the circumstances where you may wish to use them. 

What is an Assignment? 

Under the terms of a standard contractual agreement, you or your business partners will receive rights or benefits. You can transfer the right to receive these benefits through an assignment to anyone who is not part of the original agreement. Assignments are made through an assignment deed, which will set out the benefits you wish to bestow on another person. It is worth noting that you can only assign your own rights. You cannot assign any other person’s rights conveyed in a contract.

Once you (the assignor) transfer your rights to the third party (the assignee), they can enjoy the benefits of the contract you provided.

Assignments are common in construction contracts where a property developer may enter into a building contract with a contractor. The developer can transfer their rights under that contract to anyone buying the property. Those rights then allow the purchaser to demand the contractor perform their duties under the original arrangement. Otherwise, they can make a claim against the contractor for a breach of contract. 

Novations are slightly more complicated than assignments. They transfer both the rights and obligations that you have under a contract. You may use a novation to leave a contract you no longer wish to be a party to and find a replacement. For example, if you stop trading in a specific service or line of goods, you can use a novation deed to remove yourself from a contract to provide these services. The novation deed will then allow you to substitute yourself for someone else willing to do this work.

Technically, a novation cancels the original contract you held with your business partner and creates a duplicate contract. In that duplicate, a third party will take the rights, benefits, and obligations conveyed to you from that agreement.

As the party leaving the contract, you will let go of all your rights to your benefits under the original contract. You will also no longer need to perform your contractual duties. It is worth noting that the burden of finding a replacement party for the novation often falls on the person leaving the contract. Therefore, to set up a novation, you must find the replacement yourself. However, you should be aware that any party involved in the existing contract can veto your decision to bring in a replacement if they are unsatisfied.

Novations often happen where businesses are bought and sold or where debt transactions occur. For example, when a company borrows money from a lender and wants to transfer the obligations to repay the debt to a third party. They can transfer these obligations via a novation. 

As discussed above, the main difference between an assignment and a novation is that a novation transfers your obligations and rights under that contract. By contrast, an assignment transfers only your rights and benefits.

But there are other differences between the two that business owners must be aware of.

1. Novations Require the Consent of All Parties

An assignment does not require the consent of all parties to the contract to transfer the rights. Additionally, you do not necessarily have to notify the other parties to an agreement that an assignment is taking place. However, as a commercial courtesy, it is wise to notify your business partners that you intend to assign your rights to a third party. It is also essential to ensure no contractual terms prohibit you from transferring a benefit to a third party. Doing say may lead to breaching the contract, and you will be liable for damages. 

With novations, you must obtain consent from every party to a contract before transferring your contractual obligations and rights. This is because you are transferring your duties to perform obligations to a third party. In addition, as the other businesses involved in a contract rely on the performance of these obligations, they have a right to be notified of the novation arrangements. They must also provide their consent to these arrangements. Therefore, a novation deed must be signed and approved by every party to that original agreement, including the party exiting the contract.

2. Novations Require Consideration

Consideration is an essential element of contract law. It is a legal term for payment of value in exchange for a promise. To have a legally binding contract, you must have some form of consideration passing between parties. For example, in a delivery contract, one party must pay another party for shipping a set of goods. Without that consideration passing between parties, you cannot have a legally binding contract, and you can take action against your business partner for breach of contract. 

Novation deeds require you to exchange consideration before terminating the original contract. They also require consideration when making the new novation contract. On the other hand, as assignments do not involve the termination of a contract, you do not have to show that parties to the contract exchanged consideration.

Assignments and novations differ in three important ways. For instance, assignments transfer rights to contractual benefits to third parties, while novations transfer rights and obligations under a contract to a third party. Additionally, novations require the consent of all parties to the contract. On the other hand, you can make assignments without the consent of all parties. Finally, novations require consideration. 

If you need help transferring your rights, our experienced contract lawyers can assist as part of our LegalVision membership. For a low monthly fee, you will have unlimited access to lawyers to answer your questions and draft and review your documents.  Call us today on 0808 196 8584 or visit our membership page .

Assignments are where business owners can transfer a right or benefit given to them under a contractual arrangement to a third party. 

A novation transfers both a business owner’s rights and obligations under a contract to a third party. 

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Canada: Novation Or Assignment, That Is The Question

In the context of asset acquisition, and assuming that the target's contracts are assets being transferred to the purchaser, the transfer of contracts typically requires the parties to the transaction to go through either the novation process or assignment of the contract from the seller to the purchaser.

Novation is a trilateral agreement between the original parties to a contract and the purchaser seeking to replace the seller to the contract. Novation transfers not only the rights and benefits under the original contract to the purchaser, but also the obligations, thus releasing the seller from all obligations under the original contract. All parties to the original agreement need to consent to the new agreement.

Novation has been referred to as the "Hail Mary" defence for parties seeking to avoid contractual liability, however, the standard of establishing novation is quite high. The Supreme Court of Canada (the SCC ) has established a three-factor test for establishing novation. The party asserting novation must prove:

• the purchaser assumes complete liability;
• the creditor (one of the existing party to the original contract) must accept the purchaser as principal debtor and not merely as an agent or guarantor of the seller; and
• the creditor (one of the existing party to the original contract) must accept the new contract in full satisfaction of, and as substitution for, the old contract. [1]

The SCC also stated that in the absence of an express new agreement, a court should not find novation unless the circumstances are especially compelling. [2]

Assignment and assumption, on the other hand, transfer the contractual rights and benefits held by the assignor/seller to the assignee/purchaser, but not the assignor/seller's obligations under the contract. The burden under the original contract remains with the assignor/seller, thus the assignor/seller can be held liable if the assignee/purchaser fails to perform under the contract. The assignor/seller can protect itself from potential liability by obtaining an indemnity from the assignee/purchaser.

Unlike novation, an assignment does not extinguish the original agreement and does not create a new and separate agreement. The original contract remains in force. Also, unlike novation, depending on the terms of the subject contract, an assignment of the contract may not require the consent of all parties to the agreement. Depending on the terms of the agreement, the assignor/seller usually only needs to provide a notice to the non-assigning party.

If the contract is silent as to its assignability, then the courts have held that the contract is generally assignable, except for personal services contract, where consent must be obtained. [3] The SCC has held that personal services contracts are contracts based on confidences, skills or special personal characteristics such as to implicitly limit the agreement to the original parties, [4] and the determination of whether a contract is personal services contract is often made by the courts.

Assignment and assumption may be more convenient for the seller than novation given that the seller may not need to ask for consent from a third party to assign its interest in an agreement to the purchaser, however, the seller needs to be aware of the potential liabilities if the purchaser fails to perform under the assigned contract. Although novation can protect the seller from such future liabilities, it is a more cumbersome process for all parties involved, and may not be feasible if the third party refuses to provide consent. Therefore, it is essential for parties to assess their relationship with the third party before proceeding with novation.

[1] National Trust Co. v Mead et al. [1990] 2 SCR 410 (SCC).

[3] Canadian Encyclopedic Digest, 4 th ed , ( Thomson Reuters Canada, 2016) at Title 35, Contracts, XIII 1(d)(i).

[4] Rodaro v. Royal Bank of Canada , 2002 CanLII 41834 (ONCA).

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Assignment vs Novation in New Zealand

By Grace Holden

Updated on January 28, 2021 Reading time: 5 minutes

This article meets our strict editorial principles. Our lawyers, experienced writers and legally trained editorial team put every effort into ensuring the information published on our website is accurate. We encourage you to seek independent legal advice. Learn more .

What Is an Assignment?

What is a novation, what are the differences between an assignment and a novation.

In commercial dealings, you may find yourself having to transfer a contract . There are two common ways of doing this; through assignment or novation. Although both reach the same outcome – a transfer of a contract – each process does so in a different manner and leaves you and other contracting parties in different positions. This article will elaborate on the difference between assignment and novation when transferring a contract. 

An assignment of a contract is when an individual (‘the assignor’) assigns their benefits under the agreement to a new person or business (‘the assignee’).

For example, an owner of another business might owe you a debt. In this case, you can assign the right to be paid the debt to one of your employees, by entering into a deed of assignment.

Under the assignment process, however, an individual could not assign their contractual obligations to a new person or business. This new party could inherit the right to payment for a service, but could not be assigned to provide that service. This means that the assignor may continue to be responsible for carrying out their contractual obligations even after they have assigned the contract to a new party.

For example, if the business owner is only obligated to pay this debt on the basis that you will provide them with free products, they will not have to pay until you have provided these goods. You could not assign this obligation to provide goods to your employee, even if you have assigned them the benefit of being paid the debt owed. 

Some contracts may contain a term that prohibits you from undergoing an assignment. However, it is a general rule that if a contract does not include such a term, you can undertake an assignment.

A novation is when an individual (‘the novator’) transfers its benefits, rights and obligations under a contract to a new person or business (‘the novatee’). This means that the novator no longer has to carry out any obligations under the contract. 

For example, in a novation, you could transfer the benefit of being paid the debt owed to your employee, as well as the obligation to provide goods. You would no longer be obliged to help in the provision of the goods, nor would you be entitled to be paid the debt owed. 

Essentially, a new contract has formed with the novatee and the other party to the contract. 

1. Transfer of Benefits Versus Complete Replacement

Under an assignment, you can only transfer the benefits you receive from a contract to this new person or business. In contrast, through novation, you can transfer both contractual benefits and obligations to this new party. They will completely replace you as a contracting party.

2. Liability of the Original Party

As you can only transfer your contractual benefits through assignment, the contract may require you to continue performing any obligations. 

Under a novation, this new person or business replaces you, and you cease to be a party to the contract . Hence, you no longer have an obligation to provide the goods or services that the agreement required you to supply, once a novation takes place.

This distinction is crucial if you are the ‘original party’ – either the assignor or the novator. Depending on the type of transfer you underwent, you may or may not still have obligations under that contract. 

3. Consent of the Other Party to the Contract 

Given the transfer of responsibility in a novation, it is a requirement that all contracting parties have consented to it. This allows all parties to ensure that:

• the new person or business can fulfil the contractual obligations they are inheriting; and
• the new person or business has sufficient skill to do so. 

Since a transfer cannot occur under an assignment, consent from the other parties to the contract is not always necessary. However, there may be a term in the contract that requires approval from this other party. Therefore, it is useful to ensure that you are entirely aware of your contract’s contents before engaging in an assignment. 

Key Takeaways

An assignment and a novation can transfer a contract. However, both differ in three key ways. Under an assignment, you can only transfer contractual benefits. Through novation, a new contracting party completely replaces you as a party to the contract. This means that your contractual obligations cease once a novation has occurred, yet can continue under an assignment. Therefore, consent from the other party to the contract may not always be necessary for an assignment. However, it is a requirement for a novation to take place. 

Your contract may prevent you from undergoing an assignment without the consent of the other parties involved. Alternatively, your contract may prevent an assignment altogether. Therefore, you should understand the contents of your contract. If you have any questions about assignments or novations, contact  LegalVision’s contract lawyers  on 0800 447 119 or complete the form on this page. 

Under an assignment, you transfer the benefits you receive from a contract to a third party whilst continuing to fulfil your obligations under the contract.

It is a general rule that if there is no exclusion of assignment in your contract, you may assign it. However, if there is a term that excludes assignment, you cannot do so. Likewise, if there is a term that only allows assignment with the other contract party’s consent, this must occur.

A novation is when a new person or business replaces you as a contracting party and inherits your rights and obligations under that contract.

There are three differences between an assignment and a novation. Firstly, under an assignment, you only transfer the benefits of the contract to the new party. In a novation, you transfer both your benefits and contractual obligations. Secondly, due to this complete transfer that occurs in a novation, the original party no longer has any contractual obligations. In an assignment, the original party may still have to fulfil these obligations. Thirdly, the other contracting parties are always required to consent to a novation, whilst it is only necessary for an assignment if specified in the contract.

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Mets add fresh arm to bullpen by calling up Sulser while Ram�rez designated for assignment

ATLANTA — Looking to add a fresh arm to their bullpen, the New York Mets designated right-hander Yohan Ramírez for assignment and selected the contract of right-hander Cole Sulser from Triple-A Syracuse.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said the roster move was necessary because right-hander Julio Teheran was to have his pitch count restricted in his debut with the team on Monday night against the Atlanta Braves. Teheran, 33, signed with New York on Friday.

Ramírez was 0-1 with an 11.81 ERA in three games. He threw two innings on Saturday, allowing four hits and five runs at Cincinnati and so would not have been available on Monday night.

“The challenging part when we left camp was we knew we had some pitchers who were out of options, so now here we are,” Mendoza said. “... I hate it.”

Sulser pitched six scoreless innings for the Mets in spring training. He allowed four runs in 5 1/3 innings for Arizona in 2023. In five seasons with Tampa Bay, Baltimore, Miami and Arizona, Sulser is 7-13 with a 3.87 ERA in 129 games, all in relief.

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It appears to be one-and-done for Julio Teheran.

The Mets designated the veteran right-hander for assignment on Tuesday, a day after he allowed four runs on six hits and two walks in 2 ⅔ innings during the Mets’ win over the Braves Monday night in Atlanta.

In a corresponding move, the Mets called up right-hander Dedniel Núñez from Triple-A Syracuse.

Teheran, 33, signed a major league contract with the Mets last week after the team lost starting pitcher Tylor Megill to the injured list with a shoulder strain.

That was the second blow to the Mets rotation after ace Kodai Senga went down early in spring training with his own shoulder strain.

Teheran, a two-time All-Star with the Braves, was a free agent after spending spring training with the Orioles.

He appeared in 14 games (11 starts) for the Brewers last year, pitching to a 4.40 ERA in 71 ⅔ innings.

The Mets can recall Jose Butto as early as Friday, and it’s possible he’ll take Teheran’s turn in the rotation on Saturday against the Royals.

Butto, 26, started the second game of a doubleheader last Thursday against the Tigers and allowed one run on three hits and three walks in six innings with six strikeouts.

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