Copyrights
Copyright is a form of protection provided to the authors of “original works of authorship,” ,
Copyrights Registration in Pakistan is regulated by the IPO Office. Registration helps establish prima facie evidence in court of the validity of the copyrights and of the facts stated in the certificate.
Copyright includes the following creative works:
This protection is available to both published and unpublished works.
What copyright may protect
Copyright may apply to qualifying original expression such as written material, artwork, photographs, software, music, films and other creative works. It protects expression rather than a general idea, method or business concept.
Common copyright enquiries
- Ownership of work created by employees or contractors
- Website copy, photographs, illustrations and marketing material
- Software, source code and digital content
- Licensing, assignments and permitted use
- Unauthorised copying, online publication or takedown concerns
Frequently asked questions
Is copyright the same as a trademark?
No. Copyright protects qualifying creative expression, while a trademark identifies the commercial source of goods or services. One asset may involve both rights.
What evidence should be retained?
Keep dated drafts, source files, publication records, contracts, invoices, correspondence and copies showing how the work was used.
Can copyright be licensed or transferred?
Rights may be licensed or assigned, subject to the applicable law and properly drafted terms defining scope, duration, territory and payment.
Related: Intellectual property · Trademarks · Discuss a copyright matter
Steps for Registration of Copyright:
Requirements for filing Copyright applications;
- Full name, nationality/Description/State of Incorporation, profession and full business address of the applicant.
- Power of Attorney.
- Name, business address and complete residential address of the author of the work.
- Year of creation of the work.
- Year from which the work was published/used (in Pakistan and around the world).
- Affidavit from the author, if the applicant is a party other than the author and the work has been assigned to the applicant.
- In case of a logo or artwork, copies of the logo/artwork should be on a card on the back thereof following details may be typed and signed by the author, on front as well as on the back (4 sets).
- Name, address, CNIC No and signature of the author.
- Name of the Applicant.
- Year of creation.
Copyright Services
- Registration, assignment, infringement of a copyright;
- Drafting deeds for transfer of copyright and royalty, etc