Copyright Registration.
Copyright exists as soon as an original work is created, but registration with the Copyright Office gives you an entry in the Register of Copyrights that serves as evidence of your claim. Applications are filed online in Form XIV, one per work, for literary works including software, artistic, musical and dramatic works, films and sound recordings. We prepare the application, handle the objection period and answer examiner queries.
Typically one week from receiving the work and ownership papers to filing. The Copyright Office indicates about 2–3 months to registration when there are no objections or discrepancies.
A partner — a chartered accountant or company secretary — from the first call to sign-off.
Based on your situation, and fixed in writing before any work starts.
Is this for you?
- Software companies protecting source code
- Brands registering logos and packaging artwork
- Authors, publishers, designers and content creators
- Businesses that commission creative work from freelancers or agencies
What you receive at the end.
- 01Filed Form XIV and diary number
- 02Replies to discrepancy letters
- 03Extract of the Register of Copyrights (registration certificate)
Copyright Registration, step by step.
Typically one week from receiving the work and ownership papers to filing. The Copyright Office indicates about 2–3 months to registration when there are no objections or discrepancies.
- 1
Ownership review
We confirm who the author and owner are, and arrange an assignment or no-objection letter where the work was created by employees or contractors.
- 2
Application preparation
We prepare Form XIV with the statement of particulars, and obtain a trademark search certificate (TM-C) where an artistic work is used on goods.
- 3
Online filing
We file online on the Copyright Office portal and share the diary number.
- 4
Objection period
There is a mandatory 30-day waiting period for objections. If anyone objects, the Registrar hears both sides before deciding.
- 5
Examination and registration
We answer any discrepancy letter, ordinarily within 45 days, until the work is entered in the Register and the extract is issued.
What we need from you.
Don't have everything yet? We send a short checklist after the first call and work with what you have.
- Copy of the work; for software, the source code and object code
- Name, address and nationality of the author and the applicant
- Assignment deed or author's no-objection letter, where the applicant is not the author
- Publication details (year, country), if published
- Trademark search certificate (TM-C), for artistic works used on goods
- Signed power of attorney
The fee depends on your situation. After a short call, the partner who will do the work tells you what's involved and gives you a fixed fee in writing — before any work begins.
- Government fees and statutory charges are billed at actuals.
- When you pay — upfront, in stages or on completion — is agreed in writing with the fee.
Questions about Copyright Registration.
Ready to discuss Copyright Registration?
30-minute confidential call — no proposal, no commitment. A partner will write back within one business day.