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Copyright registration

A trademark alone leaves gaps — copyright covers them

Deadline: Certificates usually issue in about 30 working days (expedited options available); software registrations take longer, so file before your app goes live
Legal basis: Copyright Law (registration and term); Trademark Law art. 32 (no prejudice to prior rights of others)
What this is

Trademarks and copyright protect different things, and most applicants only do the first. A trademark is protected class by class: register in class 30 and someone using your artwork in class 25 does not infringe it. Copyright protects the work itself, regardless of class. Timing matters too — a trademark takes roughly 7–9 months to register, while copyright registration usually issues in 1–2 months. Holding a copyright certificate gives you a prior right: when someone files your artwork in another class or uses it on a marketplace, you can oppose, invalidate or file a takedown on the strength of the copyright, instead of only defending the classes you registered.

When you need it
  • Your logo is registered as a trademark and you worry about the same artwork being filed in other classes
  • Designs, packaging or illustrations are being copied and you need authoritative proof of ownership
  • An app or mini-program is about to launch and the store requires a software copyright certificate
  • A marketplace complaint was filed against you and you need ownership evidence to counter-notice
  • Trade shows, tenders or government programmes require copyright documentation
  • Slogans, copy, photography or short video need their creation date and ownership fixed
What to prepare
  • A sample of the work (logo artwork, packaging design, illustration, footage or photograph)
  • A creation statement (completion date, originality, whether it was commissioned)
  • Proof of the right holder’s legal personality (business licence or ID)
  • Power of attorney
  • For software: the first and last 30 pages of source code, plus documentation
Fee
Charged per work, with official fee and service fee itemised in the quote
Not sure this is your situation?

Run the free tools first — they will tell you whether the problem is prior marks, absolute grounds, or something else.

Tell us about the mark

A consultant checks the mark’s status first, then calls you with an assessment and a quote.

As it appears on the certificate or filing.
Class and number help us verify the mark before we call. Leave blank if you are not sure — we can look it up.
🔒We verify every number by SMS. Your information is encrypted and used only for this enquiry.
No charge for the initial assessment. No obligation.
FAQ

Questions about this service

I already have a trademark — do I still need copyright?

Yes, especially for figurative marks. First, a trademark is protected per class while copyright is not: use of your artwork in another class is not trademark infringement but is copyright infringement. Second, copyright issues in 1–2 months against 7–9 months for a trademark, so you hold proof of ownership early. Third, copyright is a prior right under art. 32 of the Trademark Law, which lets you oppose or invalidate a squatter’s filing. Both together is what complete protection looks like.

How long does registration take?

Artistic, literary and photographic works usually issue in about 30 working days, with expedited options. Software registration takes longer — if you are listing on an app store, allow time rather than letting review stall on the certificate.

What can be registered?

Typically: artistic works (logos, packaging, illustrations, characters, UI), literary works (copy, slogans, manuals), photographs, audiovisual works (short video, brand films), computer software, and engineering or product drawings. The test is originality of expression — purely functional items cannot be registered.

How long does copyright last?

For a natural person, the author’s lifetime plus 50 years; for a legal entity, 50 years from first publication. Trademark rights run in renewable 10-year terms — different mechanisms entirely.

Who owns the copyright in a logo made by a design agency?

It depends on the contract. Absent an assignment, copyright generally stays with the designer and the client receives only a licence — a trap many brands discover too late. Put an assignment clause in the design contract and keep the process files. If it was missed, we can help paper the transfer before registering.

Can I file copyright and trademark at the same time?

Yes, and we recommend it. They do not conflict: the trademark excludes others in specific classes, while copyright blocks copying and filings across all classes. Doing both on the same logo costs little more and covers far more ground.

Other services

You may also need

Opposition defence / filing

Someone opposed your mark — or someone is squatting on your brand

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Cancellation / invalidation

Remove a blocking cited mark, or invalidate a bad-faith registration

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Assignment / change / renewal

Change of owner, change of details, keeping it alive

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Monitoring and alerts

A two-month window — and notices now go straight to you

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Use-evidence retention

Not only against cancellation — the foundation for enforcement and well-known status

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