Apostrophe for Joint vs. Separate Ownership
The Apostrophe
Rulebase Summary
When joint ownership is intended, the possessive form is only on the last item. When separate ownership is intended, each item takes the possessive form. The distinction changes the meaning — joint ownership means one shared thing, separate ownership means individual things.
Examples
A. Tom's and Jerry's business was incorporated in 2010.
A. Tom and Jerry's business was incorporated in 2010.
Joint ownership — one shared business — so only the last name takes the possessive form.
A. Tom and Jerry's offices are on different floors.
A. Tom's and Jerry's offices are on different floors.
Separate ownership — each has his own office — so both names take the possessive form.
Transcript Notes
The court reporter needs to know this rule for occasions when the speaker is careful and literate. If the speaker is not careful about the distinction and says the words for separate ownership when joint is meant, the reporter must write what is said, right or wrong.
Style Guide References (1)
Morson's