OP is arguing against the ability to sell a "license to use" as opposed to selling ownership interest. To say that any sale must transfer ownership would pretty much render moot the whole concept of copyright and patent.
You can't transfer ownership of the IP to the Avengers Movie, because only one person or entity at a time can own it. That's why for example, we license software as developers, instead of selling it to the end user.
Sorry, couldn't help myself.
The theft in question is production/distribution rights.