diff --git a/src/templates/smartp.tcc b/src/templates/smartp.tcc
index 8055042..26922cc 100644
--- a/src/templates/smartp.tcc
+++ b/src/templates/smartp.tcc
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ namespace memory {
   // ------------------------------
 
   template<typename T, bool isArray>
-  typename smart_ptr<T, isArray>::smart_ptr&
+  smart_ptr<T, isArray>&
   smart_ptr<T, isArray>::operator=(const smart_ptr& sptr) throw()
   {
     if(this != &sptr && _contents != sptr._contents)