IP Service
Copyright Registration
Copyright protects original expression: writing, music, art, software and film. Registration gives you a public record of ownership that is ready for court.
Copyright protects original literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works, as well as films, sound recordings and computer software, under the Copyright Act, 1957. Protection exists automatically the moment a work is created, but registration creates an official record that is strong evidence of ownership in court and makes enforcement far easier.
At a glance
- Governing law
- Copyright Act, 1957
- Protection
- Automatic on creation · registration proves it
- Term (most works)
- Author's life plus 60 years
- Covers
- Text · art · music · film · software
What's included
Everything this service covers.
The process
How we get you protected.
Identify the work
We classify your work correctly as literary, artistic, musical, cinematograph or software, and prepare the application.
Filing
The application is filed with the Copyright Office along with copies of the work and the prescribed fee.
Diary number and waiting period
A diary number is issued. A mandatory 30 day window allows objections to be raised.
Examination
If there are no objections, the examiner reviews the application and any discrepancies are addressed.
Registration
The Registrar enters the work in the Register of Copyrights and issues the certificate.
FAQ
Questions, answered.
Still unsure? Our assistant in the corner can help, or talk to our team directly.
Yes, copyright exists the moment a work is fixed in a tangible form. But registration gives you a government issued certificate that serves as strong evidence of ownership, which is invaluable if you ever need to enforce your rights.
For most works it lasts for the author's lifetime plus 60 years. For films, sound recordings and photographs the term is generally 60 years from publication.
A logo with artistic elements can be protected by copyright, and is often also registered as a trademark. The two protections complement each other and we frequently advise filing both.
Ready to protect your brand? Let's begin.
Book a free consultation and we will tell you exactly what protection you need. No jargon, no obligation.