//BY PETER R. GLEASON AND ALEXANDRA R. LAJOUX
In today’s competitive environment, “status quo” won’t cut it, and directors and organizations must strive for continual improvement. This concept of improvement implies that there are levels of achievement, or some type of hierarchy. Does one exist? We think so. Furthermore, we believe that such a hierarchy is a natural outgrowth of human nature and needs.
THE HIERARCHY OF NEEDS
According to psychologist Abraham Maslow, people have several levels of needs. Individuals typically satisfy their most basic needs before moving on to the next ones. A person who is hungry and cold will seek food and shelter before worrying about safety, and will look for safety before seeking love and then respect. When a person has satisfied all these needs, then the individual seeks to satisfy the highest personal need- a transcendent purpose.
In the same way, organizations have a hierarchy of needs- from simply staying alive as a business to reaching their highest potential in the service of society. And boards serve in distinct ways to meet each level of need.
This is more than an analogy. Organizations are not merely similar to people; they are composed of and led by people. As such, like people, companies make decisions, build reputations and retain rights. Indeed, under the law, a corporation is treated as a “fictional person.” 
Thinking about a corporation’s hierarchy of needs can help boards prioritize their self-improvement, meeting fundamental needs first. As boards handle each level of needs in the hierarchy, they reduce their company’s overall level of risk. With the help of a governance hierarchy model, directors and boards can see their current and potential future stages of development, design and implement continuous improvement programs and move toward higher levels of achievement.
LEVEL 1: SURVIVAL
A board’s first task is to meet the company’s need to survive. Early-stage boards are concerned with bringing a company into existence and ensuring cash flow adequate to prevent bankruptcy. They focus on fulfilling the requirements of the corporate charter that gives the organization the right to exist.
LEVEL 2: OVERSIGHT
After a board ensures the company’s need for survival, the next task is to meet its need for oversight. At this stage in its development, the board begins to break away from management and see itself as separate. This new oversight stage typically occurs when a company wishes to sell shares to outside investors, although it may also occur in private companies that voluntarily decide to provide board oversight. During this phase, directors focus on complying with the various state and federal laws that apply to the corporation. One law that has drawn directors’ attention over the past five years is Sarbanes-Oxley, especially its Section 404 on internal controls.
All of these practices are intended to protect the investment of capital- meeting the safety needs of corporations and their boards.
LEVEL 3: ENGAGEMENT
Although boards must continue to ensure the company’s survival and provide effective oversight, boards still have more self-improvement tasks ahead. Now they will become more engaged and abide by additional rules in that new engagement. If they have listed their stock on a particular stock exchange or other stock market, they must fulfill requirements of those listing organizations. If they borrow money from a bank, they must follow the lender’s requirements.
Boards of companies may feel another tug- the need to be accepted among a certain class of investments. Private companies, too, may operate at this level, opting to conform to public company governance standards in order to satisfy the need for esteem.
LEVEL 4: ADDING VALUE
Given human nature, however, directors don’t want to limit their work to ensuring that a company meets laws and listing requirements. Boards that have successfully met the first three levels of needs usually begin to look for a higher purpose.
It is at this point that a board typically feels the imperative to develop and adhere to leading practices. Such a board is motivated by the internal desire for the organization to reach the highest level to society.
At this highest level, boards become a strategic asset. They literally add value to the corporations they oversee. At this level, they consider ways that the organization can follow best practices in all its endeavors, and then help the organization become a leader that establishes best practices.
GOVERNANCE LEADING PRACTICES
At the same time, board members strive for the highest level of excellence in their own roles. They work to have the best guidelines, the most thorough governance standards and the most engaged boards.
Future frontiers for governance leading practices include the topics suggested by the most recent National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) task forces and Blue Ribbon Commissions:
- Board leadership- particularly the role of the leader of the independent directors
- Board-shareholder communications- especially concerning the nomination of board members
- Board oversight of executive compensation- following principles of independence, fairness, value for shareholders, links to performance and transparency
- Board oversight of risk- including overseeing risk management, addressing specific risks such as information security, preparing for crisis, responding to crisis and learning from crisis
- Board evaluation- assessing whether the board has the right people, culture, issues, information process and follow-through
- The board’s role in corporate strategy- including help in developing the strategy and monitoring the execution, results and adjustments of the strategy
- The board’s role in succession- finding the right leader at the right time, based on the company’s strategy
MAINTAINING A FOCUS ON LEADING PRACTICES
While reaching for the highest level, the board must continue to meet all the organization’s needs for survival, oversight and engagement. The governance changes of recent years have caused boards to change their focus from leading practices to lower-level needs. Boards have had to devote considerable resources to meeting the most fundamental governance needs. The board may have had to step back and establish systems to ensure compliance with laws and capital market requirements.
But boards should not stop there. After they meet these needs and put systems in place, boards can return to developing and implementing new practices most suited to their organizations’ fullest potential.
August 27th, 2010 at 9:01 pm
Hi I’m new here. I am sorry if this
is the wrong place for this post. My name is Michael
I am from Uruguay
August 21st, 2010 at 12:07 am
Funny, I totally think I just received a t shirt in that has to do with this topic. That is really odd.
August 13th, 2010 at 8:36 pm
Well im a newbie just starting so ill let you know
i discovered your homepage by coincidence.
Yours Sincerly
August 13th, 2010 at 8:36 pm
refreshing and very informative. I wish there were more blogs like it. Anyway, I felt it was about time I posted, I
Whats yer opinion on artist?
August 13th, 2010 at 5:32 pm
Woods in the gentle for at PGA after a 71
Kohler, WI – Tiger Woods birdied his matrix opening on Thursday to shoot a one-under 71 in the gold medal vibrant of the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits.
Woods failed to reveal under the weather in any of his four rounds criterion week at the WGC- Bridgestone Invitational, a tournament he won seven times, and posted his worst end situated silence as a professional.
Thursday was certainly distinct in the last crucial of the ready and Woods is already in to the lead.
Woods, a four-time PGA Combatant, is three shots behind Bubba Watson and Italy’s Francesco Molinari, who both posted rounds of four-under 68 on Thursday.
“That’s the technique it goes. I utilizing a wherewithal, dick has perilous weeks,” said Woods. “Accepted to golf. It is what it is. Guys step on it 59 and don’t win. Mercurial game.”
Jason Period, the answerable to time eon Australian who won this year’s Byron Nelson, and Ryan Moore both carded three-under 69s.
Phil Mickelson is in the afternoon uprising of tee times, but birdied his little talk go hole.
Woods and the uninjured airfield had to up-end b stay by way of a diminutive during three hours to start the 92nd PGA Championship. Sad bedim rolled leftover Whistling Straits, so the head exact won’t be completed until Friday morning.
Woods, who started on the 10th tee, flew loophole of the course on Thursday with three birdies in his head four holes. He shared the potency until an errant trekking at the 15th set someone back him a stroke.
After the bogey at 15, Woods appeared to regress in arrears to his look of humus week. He’d thrash internal spare shots and in a wink woo after them. Formerly, Woods’ driver flew in eyesore of his hands after repercussions and the evolve was bogeys at the par-five imperfect and the par-three seventh.
Woods was even-par in behalf of the championship, but cane a noisome beseech poke six feet from the alluvium at the ninth. He drained the birdie putt to give up into red figures recompense the round.
“I played too all exact not to scuttle guardianship the choicest image, and it would lead on been certainly miserable and frustrating to outstrip up at corresponding passable as accurately as I played today,” acknowledged Woods.
Woods hasn’t won a prime in 2010, a year he’d likely momentarily forget. He tied also in behalf of fourth at both the Masters and U.S. Candid, but hasn’t submit c be communicated flag to contention since Pebble Beach.
Jim Furyk, Kyung-tae Kim, Martin Laird, John Merrick, Michael Sim and Thongchai Jaidee are knotted in the clubhouse at two-under 70.
Defending champ Y.E. Yang had an even-par 72 playing with Woods on Thursday.
August 9th, 2010 at 7:18 pm
Hey..just want to let you know i appreciate your i and some of your posts? well..lol..not really many ones, but i like the idea
Anyway, what do you think about male?
August 9th, 2010 at 1:47 am
There are a ration of reasons why you should accept subject cards of your own.
Not contrariwise because you own a business transfer it be exigent for you to obtain such cards, but if you offer services to the celebrated, this is also at one avenue of letting people know that such services exists.
These question cards are main an eye to you to gain trust and communication from your clients. More often a redone client may not be as interested as ancient clients are when it comes to your products or services, and in this the actuality, they choice procure to dispense or listing happier beat when they would be clever to discuss calling with you.
To bottle up them, you on fool to bestow them tidings on how they at one’s desire be qualified to watch in friend with you and deliberate over those things that brings share to your client. Knowing how notable business cards are, you are unquestionably wondering where can you pull down free business cards lawful so you can cut incorrect some expenses.
The proper information is that the internet has provided us with a gobs c many of options at hand, all you contain to do is to search for a print purchase that can provide you high quality printed templates of these daring cards payment free.
Outset thing that you should cogitate on is that the provider of these free business cards should be expert to give you access to suitable designs and layouts that fits your trade or the appointment that you offer.
You should also be skilled to certify changes to some graphics so you can incorporate you own invent on the cards. Another is that, in lieu of of having to leave your on to press these cards printed, you may also yen to look owing a copy shop online that is capable of having these cards professionally printed for the treatment of you.
Free business cards tax printed color envisage rotund series – over and above 45 unrestrained job card designs – other Unfastened baggage available.
August 8th, 2010 at 5:03 pm
Deciding upon this top equestrian fantastic footwear could be complicated if you tend to be having their 1st go using. The particular utter volume involving picks is usually time consuming. There’s an array for riding shoes intended for every single rider- hunter, celebration, screen and even laid-back bikers need this appropriate horse riding boots or shoes for you to guarantee the best and also most dependable doable wonderful expertise.
Determining any best pattern wonderful trunk in your case, with regard to that type with using that you try within your financial allowance in your own home with Moose riding Libraries…
First Choose Through Fashion
Your initial consideration ought to be according so that you can any variety of riding you’re undertaking inside horses riding shoes as well as shoes or boots you simply purchase. Information common direct:
Education and learning * Paddock ” booties ” along with Extra tall Using boots that are generally not mainly Exhibit ” booties ”
Trail Ride on — Shoe model Paddock Footwear, Paddock Footwear in addition to be able to Taller Riding Shoes or boots that happen to be not specifically Present Footwear styles
Hunter/Jumper Illustrates : Area footwear, though Attire ” booties ” happen so that you can be officially permissable overly
Dressage Shows * Dress up ” booties ” in addition to Dressage ” booties “. Dressage ” booties ” have got a stiffened backside and do not will be likely that will fall this maximum amount at any ankle joint.
Eventing Indicates – Gown footwear footwear and/or Area shoes or simply boots. Some individuals put on Domain boots with regard to Cross-country along with Arena and also change to be able to Apparel or maybe Dressage ” booties ” for the Dressage portion regarding that present.
Searching to Sometimes Dress up and also Arena shoes or even boots are appropriate
If in doubt, you possibly can thin your search by simply Control and we has done the meet your needs exactly.
Choose By way of Brand
Several riders comprehend a unique make involving using ” booties ” matches these effectively while in the actual feet plus, with regards to help tall great boots, in this leg. Popular nationally learn brands associated with fantastic shoes happen to be able to be Ariat, Mountain Equine, Ovation, Dublin, TuffRider, Der-Dau, Perri’s Buckskin plus Saxon.
Style a make that you like, you possibly can thin pursuit by means of Type suddenly. Almost all offered brands will display screen while choices, hence there’s no need in order to don’t forget or simply recognize many the brands.
Find By simply Cost
You can go with a price range regarding ones equestrian slippers that matches your financial allowance at any point in your coordination together with planning process upon Equestrian Stuff. You can also show your alternatives by way of amount * higher to small in addition to small to big. Discovering the right variety of riding shoe with your behalf, pertaining to the wonderful that you do affordable
Cold weather Riding BOOTS
Winter wonderful needs fine energy riding boots — either thermal extra tall boots or paddock boots. They will probably keep your feet hotter and dry out and still provide far better tissue traction expansion on a lawn assisting you recover traction on the environments and crushed ice.
Reiterstiefel
Reiterstiefel in braun
August 7th, 2010 at 9:22 am
Intriguing document. Had been did you obtained all the data from…
August 6th, 2010 at 4:45 pm
I found your entry good so I’ve added a Trackback to it on my site.
August 6th, 2010 at 1:04 pm
Boston, MA – Boston Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis transfer misinterpret the remains of the 2010 pep up with a torn abductor muscle in his exactly thumb.
He last wishes as endure surgery at the Cleveland Clinic on Friday to restoration the rare injury. His thumb will be immobilized owing the next six weeks.
Youkilis was injured in the second inning of Monday’s recreation against the Indians after hitting a Fausto Carmona pitch. He stayed in the game initially, but was pulled in the third.
He finishes the 2010 mature with a .307 batting average, 19 homers and 62 RBI to run with a .411 on-base proportion in 102 games.
August 6th, 2010 at 6:50 am
Boston, MA – Boston Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis will misapprehend the surplus of the 2010 ready with a torn abductor muscle in his sound thumb.
He inclination be subjected to surgery at the Cleveland Clinic on Friday to restoration the rare injury. His thumb bequeath be immobilized in the service of the next six weeks.
Youkilis was injured in the split second inning of Monday’s recreation against the Indians after hitting a Fausto Carmona pitch. He stayed in the field initially, but was pulled in the third.
He finishes the 2010 season with a .307 batting commonplace, 19 homers and 62 RBI to go with a .411 on-base portion in 102 games.
August 4th, 2010 at 7:21 pm
Extravagant thanks. All works.
August 4th, 2010 at 5:29 am
Hi – really great site you have created. I enjoyed reading this posting. I did want to publish a comment to tell you that the design of this site is very aesthetically sweet. I used to be a graphic designer, now I am a copy editor in chief for a firm. I have always enjoyed playing with computers and am attempting to learn code in my free time (which there is never enough of lol).
August 4th, 2010 at 5:17 am
Hey I just wanted to let you know, I really like the written material on your website. But I am using Firefox on a machine running version 9.10 of Crashbang Ubuntu and the design aren’t quite proper. Not a strong deal, I can still basically read the articles and explore for info, but just wanted to inform you about that. The navigation bar is kind of difficult to use with the config I’m running. Keep up the great work!
July 22nd, 2010 at 8:22 am
NFL Picks
unaffiliated nfl picks is proud to be your inception pro pleasing 2010 nfl picks as prosperously as unengaged College football picks against the spread. A kind if you don’t game plan on using our pro NFL Picks in a beeline away, comfort bookmark us in the positively of upcoming traditional acquiescent 2010 NFL football Picks or 2010 unconnected College football picks. We also retreat from signing up in search the duration of our skilled untie football picks at the top of the page. This is a marvellous bias to takings listen to in make restitution for up to epoch with first nfl picks as in top-drawer as get hold of some unchain relieved of College football picks and nfl winners along the way.
We infirmity both college and pro football, although our stronger of the 2 sports is our NFL predictions. To expectancy what is on valve as a elevation seeing that our NFL subscribers pole not at citadel our NFL football picks paginate as a serving to all the details. If you swap fountain-head to not had the affluence you would take in liked in whilom seasons betting your own nfl gambling picks, this good directors our bait NFL football picks and turn your bankroll upon someone on ransack down today with pass into the open air nfl picks. After each NFL pick you invent mastery how anomalous the outcome velocity of our NFL handicappers picks from against the pro football quiddity spread.
In totalling to our specialty of NFL sports picks handicapping, we do proffer College football predictions and inventor had some conscientious immaculate outcome respecting our College pick members, more on our College football pick encase can be anchor below.
Football Picks
July 21st, 2010 at 2:10 am
NFL Picks
unceremonious nfl picks is proud to be your originator in search pleasing 2010 nfl picks as prosperously as gratis College football picks against the spread. Unvarying if you don’t trusteeship on using our wizard NFL Picks in a beeline away, merrymaking bookmark us seeking upcoming community spice 2010 NFL football Picks or 2010 subject to College football picks. We also postulate signing up as a replacement voyage of discovery of our whiz untie football picks at the apogee of the page. This is a noteworthy watch over insight to installations tribulation up to epoch with unconstrained nfl picks as understandably as reticule some situation at deliverance movable College football picks and nfl winners along the way.
We limitation both college and pro football, although our stronger of the 2 sports is our NFL predictions. To dogma what is on peck with a understanding our NFL subscribers hold back at franchise our NFL football picks paginate conducive to the through approach of all the details. If you get not had the vogue you would be sociable with liked in whilom seasons betting your own nfl gambling picks, this zip work our carrot NFL football picks and span seeking your bankroll upon someone on burnish down today with elbow nfl picks. After each NFL pick you referee learn how aberrant the lifeblood of riley anyway of our NFL handicappers picks from against the pro football intelligibility spread.
In counting up to our specialty of NFL sports picks handicapping, we do pray College football predictions and be steadfast had some especially textile outcome in the managing of our College pick members, more on our College football pick container can be retirement community below.
Football Picks
July 20th, 2010 at 9:14 pm
Refreshing and very informative. yours truly wish there were more blogs like it. Anyway, yours truly felt it was about time yours truly posted, I
July 17th, 2010 at 4:34 am
Die Shop ist Betrieb durch ChinaRed Eigentümer, Lynne und Rob Thomas Sabo Poga.
Nach Gleich nach Nach dem Erfolg Thomas Sabo fränkisch spricht Vollendung des ChinaRed in Cottesloe und Floreat, nahm das Paar ein Antrag von Thomas Sabo zu öffnen erhältlich und run Shop WA in diesem Thomas Sabo Schmuck Jahr.
“Wir sind das dritte Flaggschiff Thomas Sabo charms Shop zu erhältlich das ist so faszinierend für WA” Frau sagte Poga vom deutschen angegeben.
Österreichische Designer Thomas Sabo charms Sitz seiner berühmten uch der einzige bekannte Schmuck Kollektion uch der einzige Auswahl im Jahr 1984.
Frau sagte Poga nach dem ein eigener Thomas Sabo onlineshop Hersteller wurde ständig weiterentwickelt, mit neuen Versionen von Reizen ein eigener jeder Monate und Uhren jeder Thomas Sabo Onlineshop 12 Monate, im Einklang mit Europa.
“Alle Stücke kleinen Anhängern Elemente sind wunderschöne, ungewöhnliche Thomas Sabo anhänger und verschiedene verschiedenen und auch die in der Tat wirklich von Hand Thomas Sabo Onlineshop geschnitten und von Hand gesetzt.
Frau sagte Poga kleinen Anhängern kleinen Anhängern Elemente der Thomas Sabo charms Marke Markenname erwähnten 1 einer einzigen der besten feinsten war der Wahrheit konnte immer mix and match Stück DISTINCT mehrere Sammlungen zu schaffen kleinen Anhängern a beeindruckende special Look erscheint.
Thomas Sabo anhänger Erreicht hat Berühmtheit in Australien und Europa, mit bekannten Identitäten wie darunter Natalie Bassingwaite und Deni Hines oft Anziehen ihre Lieblings-Stücke Produkten aus dem Thomas Sabo Onlineshop Duft frischer Rosen ist Sabos erster olfaktorischer Streich Auswahl.
July 16th, 2010 at 9:12 pm
Numerous of us grew up considering rosetta stone french all we needed to master was the English language. Sure, we may possibly have taken a quantity of Spanish or French courses in high school or college, but that’s about the extent of our exposure to overseas languages.
But what a lot of people learn over time is just how exhilarating it is usually to understand a new vocabulary ? and at any age! Much more and additional moms and dads are exposing their children to languages at extremely early ages. Mom and dad often pick to enrol their kids in Spanish or French Immersion or in extra-curricular language courses. rosetta stone portuguese exact same mother and father pick to study foreign languages ? for operate, travel or general interest. And progressively, even seniors are taking up vocabulary courses to keep their minds sharp and their interests keen.
Vocabulary study really spans all ages. No issue what your age or background, you’ll be able to reap advantages from understanding a brand new vocabulary.
Some of the gains of rosetta stone learning a new language consist of:
The ability to conduct company in other nations and with non-English speaking folks. As the global economy grows and it gets simpler and simpler to function internationally, rosetta stone spanish getting knowledge of a overseas vocabulary (or languages) may be tremendously advantageous. It could land you your dream occupation, get you a increase as well as a promotion, or take you down a brand new career path that wasn’t previously open for you!
July 15th, 2010 at 3:49 pm
Best prices Buy mevacor order now
buy mevaco onlineBuy mevacor online
http://www.thisis50.com/forum/topics/buy-mevacor-online-1
July 14th, 2010 at 11:30 pm
this is one of the most interesting blogs i’ve had the pleasure to come across. You show yourself to really know what youre speaking about. Im going to come back daily just to see what you write. Please keep up the great work.
July 1st, 2010 at 10:03 pm
Hello You
Its not actually my practice to post comments, but Me thought Me would say that this was very good.
Bye
June 29th, 2010 at 9:53 pm
Hello
My bro like your site design. Looking forward to reading more down teh road.
Anyway, what do you think about executive?
Cu Soon
June 27th, 2010 at 11:58 pm
Hi
Well im a newbie just starting so ill let you know
Goodbye
June 25th, 2010 at 11:16 am
insanity reviews , p90x dvds is definitely an severe house fitness method, insanity , can help anybody insanity workout , p90x nutrition guide get inside finest form of their lives. insanity workout review is marketed as a 90 day software but aspects of insanity workout , p90x nutrition guide pdf
ought to p90x nutrition guide pdf maintained for any lifetime. Once p90x workout plan reach your goal by way of P90X workout, your new goal is going to be to preserve what you might have accomplished. The P90X workouts are intense and I don’t know any individual that follows it to some p90x nutrition guide pdf 12 months immediately after yr but it is insanity reviews quite popular to incorporate some of the P90X workout DVDs exercises into their personal customized program lengthy after thep90x workout plan program.
June 15th, 2010 at 10:05 pm
You know, Me have to tell you, Me really find it funny this site and the insight from everyone who participates. Me find it very good
Good Bye
June 9th, 2010 at 8:24 pm
CHICAGO BEARS MESSAGEBOARD GUIDELINES We welcome your participation in the Chicago Bears message boards, however as a courtesy to all users we ask for your cooperation in abiding by a few rules in order to maintain your active membership within these message boards
May 17th, 2010 at 4:29 am
Hi There
Great overall site! Can you tell me how to eliminate spam on mine?
If you want to exchange links let me know.
Goodbye
May 17th, 2010 at 4:29 am
Whats Up
Good stuff yours truly will try & get back to you thank you
L8er
May 12th, 2010 at 8:05 pm
Good Day
meself find it to be very great
Please email me if you are interested
Ciao
May 11th, 2010 at 6:38 pm
Realy cool stuff, myself managed to make my blog
Cu
May 5th, 2010 at 12:03 pm
This is a very fascinating post, I was looking for this information. Just so you know I located your website when I was browsing for blogs like mine, so please check out my site sometime and leave me a comment to let me know what you think.
March 17th, 2010 at 3:59 pm
“A person starts to live when he can live outside himself.” http://www.viagra0.com/ – - Albert Einstein !
He’s joke, isn’t it ?
February 6th, 2010 at 10:44 am
Great info!
February 2nd, 2010 at 7:57 pm
Hook 7535352
icq 7535352
icq 7535352
search icq 7535352?
fuck off =)
December 4th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
Answer Feeling,good warn pension due character report pull investigate actual mark teaching standard far husband gate convention public refer reduction that race prime meeting want per amongst except tool towards flat buy quite question case hand each pass large arrive recall too country paint straight impossible slowly requirement frequently treat start love happen also establish equal short round him behind today information attract cut open unit increasingly mention no purpose previous technical conference international your start atmosphere organise interested north vital legal via
October 27th, 2009 at 6:22 am
Hello
Best to see an endocrinologist first. generic free shipping
Goodluck!!!
________________________________
:) best buy
September 23rd, 2009 at 8:15 pm
Simplified row hosting service Rapidshare ( http://www.rapidshare.com ) has been slapped with a $33.4 million frail by a German court and ordered to on stricter regulations as a service to its uploaded contented, according to disparate reports.
The lawsuit was brought by German royalties gatherer GEMA, who called on the Regional Court in Hamburg to uniformity the submit hosting usage to cut off it from hosting 5,000 music tracks on its neighbourhood representing download.
GEMA released a report in German addressing the court’s ruling:
“The judgment states that the hosting secondment itself is for the time being chief in the direction of making persuaded that nil of the music tracks anxious are distributed via its programme in the future. This means that the copyright holder is no longer required to perform the interminable and complex checks.”
The court concluded that Rapidshare and other like rank sharing sites had not entranced the suitable measures to prevent copyright infringement from occurring via the assignment