Registering copyright is an important step to protect works from increasingly common copying and unauthorized use. For individuals and businesses, this is not only a legal procedure but also a way to establish legal ownership, avoid disputes, enhance commercial value, and create advantages when exploiting, transferring, or developing products. Early registration provides you with clear legal evidence, ensuring that your intellectual property is protected from the outset and minimizing the risk of losing your rights.
What is copyright registration? What is software copyright registration?
What is copyright registration?
Copyright registration is the procedure for recording ownership rights to works created by individuals or organizations. Works can be of many types, such as written works, fine art, music, photography, architecture, computer programs, etc. When a certificate is issued, the owner has a legal basis for protecting their copyright in the event of a dispute.
What is software copyright registration?
Software copyright registration is the process of registering for computer program – considered to be work in the form of source code and executable code. The owner of the software is protected with respect to: source code, structure, organization, data, and creative elements embodied in the program.
See more: Guide to Trademark Registration in Vietnam 2026
Comparing copyright registration and software copyright registration
You can think of copyright as a wide protective frame, including all types of creative works, while software copyright is a small part inside that frame, applies only to software. In other words, when you register software copyright, you are performing a procedure that falls under copyright protection but has specific technical requirements.
Similarities:
- Same purpose: to recognize ownership rights to creative products.
- Cooperating agency: Copyright Office.
- Same result: receive a Copyright Certificate.
- Along with the common legal process.
Differences:
- Copyright registration applies to many different types of works, while software copyright registration only applies to computer programs.
- Ordinary works only require a copy or description for registration, while software must have source code, executable code, describe the structure and features, Therefore, the requirements for the documentation are more technically demanding.
- The nature of software works is technological, so proving ownership requires more detailed documentation than for text or image works.
What documents are required for copyright registration?
According to current regulations, copyright registration files typically include:
- Copyright registration form according to the template.
- Two copies of the work register.
- Certificate of commitment About the author, owner.
- Power of Attorney (if submitted through a representative).
- Documentation proving the right to file an application (if any).
- National ID card/Citizen ID card by the author, the owner.
- For software: add source code printout and functional description.
Depending on the type of work, additional documents may be required.
The process of registering copyright in Vietnam
Step 1: Prepare information and documents
- Determine the type of work to be protected.
- Finalize the copy of the work (file or printout).
- Prepare personal/business documents.
- For software: extract source code and describe the structure.
Step 2: Prepare the documents and complete the application form
- Fill out the form completely.
- Describe the work clearly, avoiding missing content that could result in the application being requested for revision.
- Check the required documents.
Step 3: Submit your application
Applications are submitted to the Copyright Office in two forms:
- Submit directly at the offices of the Bureau.
- Submit by mail.
Step 4: Review and issue the Certificate
- Review period as prescribed: 15 business days from the date of receipt of the complete and valid application.
- If the application requires clarification or additional information, the processing time will be longer.
- When the requirements are met, the owner receives Copyright certificate.
See more: What is industrial design registration? Why should you register an industrial design?
Cost – Registration time – Term of protection
Copyright registration fees
Copyright registration fee typically ranges from 100,000 to 600,000 VND per work, depending on the type of work.
Software copyright registration fees
- There is a separate government fee for the computer program.
- Service fees depend on the length of the source code, the number of files, and the level of functional description.
Implementation period
- The total time from submitting a valid application to receiving a Copyright Certificate usually takes approximately 15 to 20 business days.
- In cases requiring amendments/additions: extend according to the actual processing time.
Term of copyright protection
The term of copyright protection in Vietnam is clearly defined and distinguishes between moral rights and economic rights.
The following moral rights are protected indefinitely, meaning they always belong to the author and never expire:
- Name the work.
- Use your real name or pen name on the work; have your real name or pen name mentioned when the work is published or used.
- Protect the integrity of the work, do not allow others to modify, edit, or distort it in any way that harms the author's honor and reputation.
Property rights (the right to exploit and use the work for profit) and the right to publish the work have a defined term of protection, depending on the type of work and the identity of the author:
- Author: protection lifetime + 50 years after death.
- Organization: 75 years from the date of publication (depending on the type of work).
- Software: belonging to the literary works group – similar time period.
Common mistakes when self-registering copyright
If you are not an expert in copyright registration and have no practical experience, here are some mistakes you may make if you try to do it yourself:
- The description of the work is too brief and lacks elements that demonstrate creativity.
- The form contains incorrect information about the author/owner.
- Lack of documents proving ownership.
- The work has not been formatted correctly.
- For software: providing incomplete or mismatched source code.
- Failure to monitor the file, resulting in a late submission.
These errors will result in your application being requested for revision/supplementation, leading to a prolonged registration process or even rejection. This not only wastes your time but also incurs unnecessary costs, and may cause you to lose your competitive edge in the registration process.
Why choose FundGo Law when registering copyright?
FundGo Law thoroughly resolves clients' difficulties.
- Consultation in accordance with regulations, avoid mistakes when describing the work.
- Drafting all documents according to the standards of the Copyright Office.
- Representative submit – track – process further until you receive the certificate.
- Absolute security for software source code and creative documents.
- Assist customers in resolving practical issues that are not clearly addressed by the law.
FundGo Law's Full-Service Process
- Advise on the appropriate type of protection.
- Collect documents and review their validity.
- Prepare documents in accordance with legal requirements.
- Representatives submit applications and work with government agencies.
- Handover of certificates and user manuals in disputes/business transactions.
An optimized process to reduce waiting time and avoid the risk of modifying files.
If you want to register your copyright or software copyright quickly, accurately, and without risk, contact FundGo Law for detailed advice and transparent pricing. FundGo Law provides comprehensive support from start to finish, ensuring your application is correct from the outset and completely confidential.
