Copyright Registration

Overview

Copyright protects original literary, artistic, musical and dramatic work, along with software, films and sound recordings. It exists automatically the moment the work is created — registration is not what creates the right.

What registration gives you is proof. The certificate is straightforward evidence of ownership and date in a dispute, which is exactly what is hardest to establish otherwise. It also supports the chain of title when the work is licensed or assigned, which anyone buying rights from you will want to see.

It matters most for businesses whose product is the work itself — software, design, content, publishing, training material. We prepare and file the application, deal with objections, and advise on assignment where the work was created by employees or contractors, which is where ownership most often turns out not to be where everyone assumed.

Why choose this

Benefits of Copyright Registration

• Evidence of ownership

  Copyright exists on creation, but a registration certificate is straightforward proof of it in a dispute.

• Easier to enforce

  The register gives a clear date and description to point to when acting against copying.

• Licensable rights

  Registered work can be licensed or assigned, with the record supporting the chain of title.

• Long duration

  Protection lasts for the term set by the Copyright Act, far beyond most commercial cycles.

How it works

1. 01

   Work and ownership position reviewed

2. 02

   Assignments confirmed where others contributed

3. 03

   Application and copies of the work prepared

4. 04

   Application filed and diary number issued

5. 05

   Objections answered if raised

6. 06

   Registration certificate handed over