Copyright protection in Pakistan is automatic on creation, but if you seek the evidentiary and practical benefits of a formal record, this is how to register your work with IPO-Pakistan under Copyright Ordinance 1962 and Copyright Rules 1967.
How To Register Your Copyright In Pakistan
- Filing. The application is filed on Form-II, the copyright registration form, together with copies of the work and the prescribed fee for the category of work (see fee table below).
- Examination. IPO-Pakistan examines the application for completeness and eligibility under the Ordinance.
- Publication. For artistic works specifically, the application is published for third party comment prior to granting the copyright.
- Opposition window. Any person with grounds to object, typically a competing claim to authorship/ownership, may file an opposition under section 39 (PKR 6,000) during the prescribed opposition period or apply for rectification under section 41(2) (PKR 5,000).
- Certificate. Once the above process is complete without objection, IPO-Pakistan issues the Copyright Registration Certificate.
Registration Fees By Work Category (Form-II)
- Literary work: PKR 2,000
- Computer programme / software: PKR 5,000
- Artistic work: PKR 2,000
- Artistic work related to goods/services: PKR 6,000
- Cinematographic work: PKR 10,000
- Sound recording: PKR 2,000 per song
- Musical work with video: PKR 2,000 per song
Other common filings in addition to the initial registration include Form-III to record an assignment of copyright (PKR 3,000) and Form-V to record a relinquishment of copyright (PKR 5,000).
What You’ll Need To File
Depending on the category of work, requirements include copies or samples of the work, details of the author and applicant (if different) and a declaration of ownership. Software copyright typically includes source code or program extracts; artistic work related to goods/services (e.g., a logo appearing on packaging) must explicitly show the goods/services and is charged at a higher rate than a standard artistic work registration.
Choosing The Correct Category
The correct category of work is important as it determines the fee and process (e.g., artistic works have a publishing step). Filing under the wrong category is a common reason for copyright registration delays.
Get It Filed Right The First Time
Between the seven categories of fees, the Form-II filing requirements and the publication/opposition process for artistic works, it’s easy to file under the wrong category or miss a requirement. Our copyright registration services take care of the categorisation, filing and follow-through with IPO-Pakistan. If you’re still considering copyright registration, read do you need to register copyright in Pakistan? first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What form is used to register a copyright in Pakistan?
Form-II is filed with IPO-Pakistan under the Copyright Ordinance 1962, together with the fee for the relevant category of work.
How much to register software copyright in Pakistan?
Under Form-II, registration of copyright for a computer programme/software costs PKR 5,000.
Does an artistic work go through a publication step?
Yes, artistic works specifically are published with a copyright registration in Pakistan, opening the door for third parties to file an opposition under section 39 before the certificate is issued.
How do I transfer copyright ownership to someone else after registration?
An assignment of copyright is filed using Form-III, Assignment Recordal, at a fee of PKR 3,000 which officially records the change of ownership with IPO-Pakistan.
