diff --git a/.github/CODEOWNERS b/.github/CODEOWNERS
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+# for syntax see https://docs.github.com/en/repositories/managing-your-repositorys-settings-and-features/customizing-your-repository/about-code-owners#codeowners-syntax
+
+# base rule, guppy team is codeowner for whole repo
+* @CQCL/guppy
+
+# Add specific rules below.
+# Lower the rule, higher the precedence
+
+# The release PRs that trigger publication to PyPI always modify the changelog.
+# We require those PRs to be approved by someone with release permissions.
+CHANGELOG.md @mark-koch @aborgna-q  @ss2165
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