Copyright Registration

The Myanmar Copyright Law (2019) provides legal protection for original literary, artistic, musical, dramatic, audiovisual, photographic, architectural, software, and other eligible works. Copyright protection generally arises automatically upon the creation of an original work. However, authors and copyright owners may apply for the recordal or registration of copyright with the Intellectual Property Department (IPD) in accordance with the Copyright Law and the applicable Rules, once the registration system is fully operational.

Preparation of the Application

The applicant prepares the prescribed application form together with all required supporting documents and information relating to the copyright work.

Filing Procedure

The general procedure for copyright registration in Myanmar is as follows:

Filing the Application

The application is filed with the Intellectual Property Department (IPD), together with the prescribed official filing fee.

Examination

The Registrar examines the application to ensure that it complies with the requirements of the Myanmar Copyright Law and the Copyright Rules. Where necessary, the Registrar may request additional information or supporting documents.

Registration

If the application satisfies all legal requirements, the Registrar records the copyright in the Register of Copyrights and issues a Certificate of Copyright Registration.

Recordal of Changes (Where Applicable)

Subsequent changes, such as assignment, transfer of ownership, licensing, or amendment of ownership details, may also be recorded with the Intellectual Property Department.

Required Documents

The following documents and information are generally required for filing a copyright registration application in Myanmar:
1. Copyright Application Form

A duly completed application in the prescribed form.

2. Applicant's Information
  1. Full name
  2. Nationality
  3. Address
  4. Contact details
  5. Legal status (individual or legal entity)
3. Author's Information

Where the applicant is not the author, the following information should also be provided:

  1. Full name of the author
  2. Nationality
  3. Address
  4. Relationship between the author and the applicant
4. Details of the Copyright Work

The application should include:

  1. Title of the work
  2. Type of work (e.g., literary, artistic, musical, computer program, photograph, audiovisual work, etc.)
  3. Date of creation
  4. Date of first publication (if applicable)
  5. Brief description of the work
5. Copy or Specimen of the Work

A copy, sample, photograph, digital file, or other suitable representation of the copyright work, depending on its nature.

Examples include:

  1. Manuscript
  2. Book
  3. Drawing
  4. Photograph
  5. Musical score
  6. Computer software
  7. Artistic work
  8. Audio or video recording
6. Declaration of Ownership

A declaration confirming that the applicant is the copyright owner or is otherwise entitled to apply for registration.

7. Assignment or Supporting Documents (Where Applicable)

Where ownership has been transferred, the following may be required:

  1. Assignment Agreement
  2. Employment Agreement (for works made in the course of employment)
  3. Commission Agreement
  4. Inheritance documents
  5. Other evidence establishing ownership
8. Power of Attorney

Where the application is filed through a Myanmar IP representative or agent, a duly executed Power of Attorney should be submitted.

9. Certified Translation

Where any document is in a language other than Myanmar or English, the Registrar may require a certified translation.

10. Official Filing Fee

Payment of the prescribed official filing fee.

Notes

Copyright protection in Myanmar generally arises automatically upon the creation of an original work, provided that the work satisfies the requirements of the Myanmar Copyright Law.

Copyright registration serves as prima facie evidence of ownership and facilitates enforcement, licensing, assignment, and commercialization of copyright.

The Registrar may request additional information or supporting documents during examination where necessary.

Our Services

Our firm provides comprehensive copyright services in Myanmar, including:

  1. Advice on copyright protection and ownership
  2. Preparation and filing of copyright registration applications
  3. Review of ownership and supporting documents
  4. Drafting copyright assignment and licence agreements
  5. Recordal of transfers and licences
  6. Copyright enforcement and infringement actions
  7. Advisory services on commercialization and licensing of copyright assets.

Our experienced intellectual property professionals are committed to assisting creators, businesses, publishers, software developers, artists, and international clients in protecting and managing their copyright interests in Myanmar.