Copyright Registration

Copyright Registration in Lahore, Pakistan

Copyright is a legal protection granted for original works of authorship, including musical compositions, poetry, movies, novels, software, and artistic works, whether published or unpublished. However, copyright does not protect facts, methods, or ideas. In Pakistan, copyright law ensures that creators maintain ownership of their work. If you write a book or create any original content, you own it, and copyright law further strengthens your ownership, provided you register it.

Official Copyright Registration System in Pakistan

Copyright is a form of intellectual property (IP) protection, similar to patents and trademarks. In Pakistan, copyright registration is conducted under the official system of IPO Pakistan and governed by the Copyright Rules, 1967. Once registered, the applicant becomes the legal owner of their creative work, such as books, music, websites, etc. Registration prohibits others from using or copying the work without permission and allows the owner to charge for its usage. Tax Care’s legal attorneys can assist you with copyright registration in Lahore and other cities across Pakistan.

What is Intellectual Property?

Intellectual Property (IP) refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, and symbols used in commerce. Proper IP protection can help prevent others from copying your:

Product or brand names
Inventions
Product designs
Written content or creative works

Trademark, copyright, patents, and design rights are all forms of IP protection. Keeping your IP details confidential until they are officially registered is essential to safeguard them.

Major Functions of the Intellectual Property Organization (IPO) Pakistan

Managing and organizing government systems for better protection of IP
Strengthening IP offices in Pakistan
Raising awareness about IP rights
Advising the federal government on IP policy implementation
Ensuring enforcement of IP rights through agencies like the Police, FIA, and Pakistan Customs
Safeguarding the legal framework of IP in Pakistan

How Copyright Protects Your Work

Copying your work
Distributing copies of your work
Renting or lending your work
Performing or displaying your work publicly
Adapting your work into new versions
Posting your work online without permission

Copyright vs. Trademark vs. Patent

Copyright protects original works of authorship (e.g., books, music).
Trademark protects symbols, names, and slogans used to identify goods or services.
Patent protects inventions or discoveries.

Works Protected by Copyright

The following are examples of works protected under the Copyright Rules of 1967:

Films and documentaries
Musical works and sound recordings
Artistic works such as paintings, maps, and sculptures
Original literary works (books, software, etc.)
TV and radio broadcasts
Published editions (catalogs, research papers, etc.)

Basic Requirements for Copyright Registration in Pakistan

Required Information

Name, address, and nationality of the applicant
Incorporation certificate (for companies)
Soft copies of the work (in formats like PDF, JPEG, or GIF)
CDs or DVDs (for computer programs)
Power of Attorney signed by the applicant

Documents Needed for Copyright Registration

Copy of the applicant’s CNIC (ID card)
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the publisher, if the work is already published
Search report from the Trademark Office (if applicable)
NOC from anyone whose photograph is used in the work
4 copies of the work
Payment of copyright fees (via pay order or demand draft)
NOC from the author if the applicant is different from the author

Advantages of Copyright Registration in Pakistan

Legal protection in court
Brand recognition and goodwill
Global protection
Prevention of unauthorized copying
Creation of an intangible asset
Lifetime protection, plus 50 years after the author’s death
Enhanced credibility in the marketplace
Unique identity and brand control

Procedure for Copyright Registration in Pakistan

Filing Application: Submit an application, along with the required documents and fees, to IPO Pakistan. Both the applicant and attorney must sign the application.
Examination: The application is reviewed by the IPO examiner. If no discrepancies or objections are found within 30 days, it proceeds to the next stage.
Publication: A notice is published in a newspaper, allowing time for any objections to be raised.
Objections: If objections arise, both parties will be heard by the Registrar to resolve the matter.
Certificate Issuance: Once all legal requirements are met, the copyright registration certificate is issued.

Average Processing Time for Copyright Registration

Acknowledgment receipt issuance: 1 week
Examination of application: 9 months
Issuance of registration certificate: 2 months after compliance
Total time from application to registration: 11 months

Offices for Copyright Registration in Pakistan

Karachi (Head Office): Plot # ST 1 & 2, New Broadcasting House, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi.
Lahore (Regional Office): Basement, Lahore Chamber of Commerce Building, Shahrah-e-Aiwan-e-Sanat-o-Tijarat, Lahore.
Islamabad (Regional Office): 3rd Floor, NTC-HQs Building, Attaturk Avenue, Sector G-5/2, Islamabad.

Protect your creative work with our professional copyright registration services. Contact SynTax Solutions now and secure your intellectual property today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does it take to register a copyright in Pakistan?

The total processing time is typically around 11 months.

2. Can I register multiple works in one application?

No, each work requires a separate application.

3. What types of works are eligible for copyright protection?

Literary, musical, artistic, and cinematographic works, among others, are eligible.

4. What happens if someone infringes on my copyright?

You can take legal action to enforce your rights and claim damages.

5. Is copyright protection valid worldwide?

Copyright registered in Pakistan is recognized internationally under various treaties, but it is advisable to seek protection in other countries individually.

For any other questions or to schedule a consultation, contact Syntax Solutions today.