Non-transferability of award: Overview, definition, and example

What is non-transferability of award?

Non-transferability of award refers to a condition or provision that prevents the recipient of an award, prize, or benefit from transferring, assigning, or selling that award to another party. In other words, the award is only for the original recipient and cannot be given to someone else, even if the recipient no longer wants or is able to use it. This clause is often included in contracts, prize competitions, and incentive programs to ensure that the benefits go directly to the intended person.

For example, if someone wins a gift card as part of a contest, the non-transferability clause would prevent the winner from selling or giving the gift card to another person.

Why is non-transferability of award important?

Non-transferability of award is important because it ensures that the benefits, rewards, or incentives are used by the intended recipient, as agreed upon by the awarding body. It also helps prevent potential misuse or abuse of the award. For organizations offering prizes or rewards, this provision ensures that the award is granted to the person who met the criteria or earned it through specific actions, such as completing a task, winning a contest, or fulfilling certain conditions.

For recipients, it helps clarify that the award is meant for their personal use and cannot be sold or exchanged for cash or other benefits, preventing disputes and misunderstandings.

Understanding non-transferability of award through an example

Imagine a company offers an employee recognition program where the winner of the “Employee of the Month” award receives a gift card worth $500. The non-transferability clause in the award rules states that the recipient cannot sell the gift card to someone else or give it away. The gift card can only be used by the employee who earned it, and this condition ensures that the award is used for its intended purpose.

In another example, a radio station gives away a concert ticket to a winner of a competition. The ticket includes a non-transferability clause, meaning the winner cannot resell the ticket or give it to a friend. The ticket can only be used by the original winner, ensuring that the prize goes to the right person.

Example of non-transferability of award clause

Here’s how a non-transferability of award clause might look in an agreement:

“The Award granted under this Agreement is non-transferable. The recipient may not assign, transfer, or sell the Award to any third party, and the Award may only be used by the recipient as specified in this Agreement.”

Conclusion

Non-transferability of award is a provision that ensures awards, prizes, or incentives are used by the intended recipient and cannot be transferred to others. This helps prevent misuse, ensures fairness, and maintains the integrity of the awarding process. For businesses and organizations, it provides clarity on how awards should be handled, while for recipients, it sets clear expectations on how the award can be used.


This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.