Copyright Registration Service
Created something original? Don’t let it go unprotected. Our team at FilePino makes copyright registration simple, fast, and hassle-free, so you can safeguard your work against infringement and focus on doing what you love.
Copyright Registration
In the Philippines, you can register your copyright by formally depositing and recording your claim of ownership over an original literary, scientific, or artistic work with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) or the National Library of the Philippines (NLP).
While your creative work is automatically protected by copyright from the moment it is created, registering it gives an extra layer of protection. Your registration certificate serves as prima facie evidence of your ownership, simplifies legal proceedings in cases of infringement, and supports the commercialization and licensing of your works.
Copyrighted Works in the Philippines
Here are the 17 classes (A–Q) of works that you can register for copyright protection under the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines (RA 8293), along with what each category includes:
A
Books, e-books, audiobooks, pamphlets, comics, novels, articles
B
Periodicals, journals, diaries, newspapers, magazines, e-magazines
C
Lectures, sermons, addresses, speeches, and dissertations prepared for delivery
D
Letters, circulars, encyclicals, emails, and other electronic messages
E
Plays, operas, choreographies, pantomimes, magic routines, and other novelty acts
F
Musical compositions with or without lyrics
G
Drawings, paintings, architectural works, sculpture, engraving, prints, lithography, or other works of art, models, or designs for works of art
H
Ornamental designs or models for articles of manufacture and industrial objects, and other works of alphabet arts
I
Illustrations, maps, plans, sketches, charts, and three-dimensional works relative to geography, topography, architecture, or science
J
Drawings or plastic works of a scientific and technical character
K
Photographic works, including works produced by a process analogous to photography, lantern slides
L
Audiovisual works and cinematographic works and works produced by a process analogous to cinematography or any process for making audiovisual recordings
M
Pictorial illustrations and advertisements
N
Computer programs and games
O
Other literary, scholarly, scientific, and artistic works, including reports, studies, research, theses, and other academic papers, examinations, online courses, presentations
P
Sound recordings
Q
Broadcast recordings
Copyright Registration Requirements
Ready to get started with your copyright registration? You’ll need to prepare a set of requirements, which may vary depending on the classification of your work.
Copies of the Work for Registration and Deposit
You’ll need to submit either two original copies or an electronic copy of your work, depending on its type (i.e., whether a printed work, artwork, or digital program).
Duly Accomplished BCRR Transaction Form
You must submit three original copies of your fully completed and signed IPOPHL-Bureau of Copyright and Related Rights (BCRR) Transaction Form.
Special Power of Attorney (SPA)
If someone else will file the copyright registration on your behalf, you’ll need to provide a duly signed and notarized Special Power of Attorney (SPA).
Deeds, Contracts, or Mortgage Documents (if applicable)
If your creative work involves a transfer, assignment, or license, you must submit four original copies of the related agreements.
Birth Certificate of Heirs (Children)
If the author or creator of the work is deceased, you’ll need to provide birth certificates of the children and the death certificate of the former.
Marriage Certificate (Spouse)
If the spouse is an heir, you’ll also need to include the marriage certificate with the author or creator.
Alien Certificate of Registration ID
If the author or creator is a non-resident alien, you must also attach a copy of the Alien Certificate of Registration ID (ACR I-Card)
Other Documentary Requirements
Depending on your circumstances, you may also need additional supporting documents, such as affidavits, board resolutions, or institutional certificates.
How to Register a Copyright in the Philippines
Self-registration of copyright is possible, but a service provider’s expertise can help you easily troubleshoot registration errors and avoid unwanted costs while strengthening your legal claim. Here’s how to register:
Download and Fill Out the BCRR Transaction Form..
Download the BCRR Transaction Form from the IPOPHL website and fill it out with accurate details about your application, the work, and documents for attachment.
Submit the Form and Supporting Documents.
Scan the completed form and all required documents, then email them to IPOPHL following the prescribed subject line and other instructions.
Pay the Copyright Registration Fees.
Once your application is assessed, you’ll receive a Statement of Account (SOA). Pay the indicated fees online and email back the payment confirmation receipt.
Receive Your eCertificate of Copyright Registration.
After payment confirmation, you will be issued an eCertificate of Copyright Registration and Deposit (eCRD) via email. You may also request for certified true copies (CTCs) of the certificate.
Copyright Registration Fees
Copyright fees vary by entity size and location, with small entities paying less than big ones for most services. For example, copyright recordation in NCR costs PHP 450 for small entities and PHP 625 for big ones, while dispute resolutions are more costly—PHP 2,000 vs. PHP 6,500. Bulk services like deposits have uniform rates (PHP 200), regardless of size.
Some fees are fixed for all, such as certificate copies (PHP 370), printouts (PHP 20), and reconstitution of records (PHP 900). Small entities get certified true copies free, while big entities pay PHP 500. All fees include legal research and documentary stamp taxes.
Certificate of Copyright Registration and Deposit (eCRD)
When you successfully register your copyrighted work, the IPOPHL will issue you a Certificate of Copyright Registration and Deposit (CRD), which proves that your work is formally registered and protected under the law.
Your certificate will include important details such as your name as the copyright holder, the title of your work, the author’s name, the classification of the work, the date it was created, and the period of protection. It also contains the signature of the Director General, a statement on the deposit, and an affidavit of ownership to confirm your rights.
Expert, Fast, and Compliant
We provide full assistance in registering your original literary, scientific, or artistic works with the IPOPHL, and in keeping them valid, enforceable, and well-protected.
Why Choose FilePino’s Copyright Registration Service
FilePino, Inc. is a leading, trusted, and IPOPHL-accredited copyright registration service provider in the Philippines. Based in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig, Metro Manila—one of the country’s most dynamic and thriving business hubs—we are strategically positioned to serve your business needs.
Expert Guidance
and Support
IP laws, including copyright laws, can be complex and complicated for ordinary people, but with the professional assistance of our experts and lawyers at FilePino, we can help you navigate the registration process seamlessly.
Time-Saving
Convenience
Copyright registration can also be characterized by tedious processes of completing forms and gathering supporting documents. We can handle all these administrative tasks, so you can focus on your creative work.
Accuracy and Strong
Legal Standing
We employ a meticulous approach to filling out registration forms and drafting the necessary documents to ensure a stronger legal record of your copyright ownership and enforce it anytime against infringement.
Secure Handling of
Intellectual Property
We treat your original creations and personal details with utmost confidentiality in compliance with the Data Privacy Act and ensure that your intellectual property is safe throughout the entire registration process.
Copyright Registration FAQs
What is the difference between copyright and trademark?
Copyright protects original creative works (e.g., books, films, songs, etc.), while trademark protects brand identifiers (e.g., logos, brand names, slogans, etc.). Copyright safeguards expression, while trademark protects brand identity and consumer recognition.
Is registration mandatory for copyright protection in the Philippines?
Not really. Copyright protection is automatic upon creation of the work, but registering it provides a concrete legal proof of ownership.
Why should I register my copyright if protection is automatic?
Copyright registration provides prima facie evidence of your legal ownership, making it easier to enforce rights in case of infringement, license or sell works, resolve disputes, and establish credibility.
What types of works can be copyrighted?
As covered above, the IPOPHL provides 17 categories of creative works that can be copyrighted. These include but are not limited to books, novels, digital publications, songs, sound recordings, etc.
Who can register a copyright?
The author, creator, or rightful owner of the work, whether an individual or entity, can file for copyright registration. Additionally, an authorized representative, such as a service provider, may submit the application on their behalf.
Where can a copyright be registered in the Philippines?
Copyrights can be registered with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and the National Library of the Philippines (NLP).
How long does copyright last in the Philippines?
For most artistic, literary, and derivative works, copyright lasts for the lifetime of the author or creator plus 50 years after death. For works of joint authorship, corporate ownership, and other types, the duration may vary.
