diff --git a/source/java/org/alfresco/service/cmr/security/OwnableService.java b/source/java/org/alfresco/service/cmr/security/OwnableService.java
index 528d1f6c7b..79d108f7ce 100644
--- a/source/java/org/alfresco/service/cmr/security/OwnableService.java
+++ b/source/java/org/alfresco/service/cmr/security/OwnableService.java
@@ -36,6 +36,8 @@ import org.alfresco.service.cmr.repository.NodeRef;
 @PublicService
 public interface OwnableService
 {
+    public static String NO_OWNER = "";
+
     /**
      * Get the username of the owner of the given object.
      *