Overview
We assist clients in the protection, maintenance, enforcement and commercialization of copyright in Pakistan and across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring effective management and monetization of creative assets.
Why register your copyright
Copyright arises automatically when a work is created, but the Register of Copyrights is prima facie evidence of the particulars entered in it (section 42). With content copied and shared instantly on social media and streaming platforms, that evidence makes takedowns, Customs complaints and court action faster.
Books and written works
Novels, textbooks, articles and manuals, protected as literary works.
Software and apps
Computer programmes are protected as literary works.
Paintings, photographs and logos
Artistic works, including logos also used as trademarks.
Music and sound recordings
Musical works and records; performers and phonogram producers also have rights.
Films, dramas and documentaries
Cinematographic works.
Sports and live events
Recorded footage is a cinematographic work, and broadcasting organisations hold rights in their broadcasts (section 24).
Copyright Protection
Copyright protection is governed by the Copyright Ordinance, 1962 and the Copyright Rules, 1967, and administered by the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan.
Copyright arises automatically upon creation of an original work fixed in tangible form, in accordance with the Berne Convention.
However, registration provides strong evidentiary value, significantly improving enforcement prospects. In practice, reliance on unregistered rights often leads to lengthy, complex and costly litigation, whereas registration provides prima facie proof of ownership.
Types of Copyrightable Works
- Artistic works: logos, labels, packaging, drawings, photographs
- Literary works: books, articles, scripts, software, databases
- Musical works and sound recordings
- Cinematographic works: films, videos, digital media
- Computer programs and databases (treated as literary works)
Copyright Registration Procedure (IPO Pakistan)
Pre-Filing and Documentation
- eligibility and originality assessment
- ownership structuring (author / employer / assignee)
- preparation of documents
Key documents include:
- Prescribed application form (Form-II)
- Copies of the work (as per category below)
- Vakalatnama / Power of Attorney (PoA) — duly signed, notarized and original to be submitted
- Affidavit (confirming authorship, originality and ownership)
- Undertaking (as required by the Copyright Office)
- No Objection Certificates (NOCs) (author, contributors, publisher, etc., where applicable)
- Assignment / transfer documents (if applicant is not the author)
- CNIC/passport copy
- Proof of publication (if applicable)
- Prescribed official fee
Separate applications are required for each work.
Filing and Application Number
- filing before Copyright Office
- issuance of Application Number
Statutory Waiting & Examination
- mandatory 30-day waiting period for objections
- examination by Registrar
Publication (Artistic Works Only)
- mandatory newspaper publication for artistic works (logos, labels, packaging)
- submission of publication proof
Objection & Hearing (if any)
- third-party objections
- written submissions and evidence
- hearings before Registrar
Registration and Certificate
- entry into Register of Copyrights
- issuance of certificate
Procedure by Type of Work
Artistic Works (Including Logos, Labels, Packaging)
- Form-II: 3 copies
- Artwork: 3 copies
- Affidavit and Undertaking
- NOC from designer (if applicable)
- Mandatory newspaper publication
- Trademark reference (if applicable)
- Notarized PoA (original)
Literary Works (Books, Articles, Scripts)
- Form-II: 3 copies
- Work: 2 copies
- Affidavit and Undertaking
- Assignment (if applicable)
- NOC (if applicable)
- Notarized PoA (original)
Software and Computer Databases
- Form-II: 3 copies
- Source code / digital copy: 2 copies
- Affidavit and Undertaking
- Developer declaration
- Assignment (if applicable)
- Notarized PoA (original)
Musical Works / Sound Recordings
- Form-II: 3 copies
- Audio copies: 2 copies
- Affidavit and Undertaking
- NOCs from contributors
- Royalty/assignment agreements
- Notarized PoA (original)
Cinematographic Works
- Form-II: 3 copies
- Film/video copies: 2 copies
- Affidavit and Undertaking
- NOCs from all contributors
- Production and assignment documents
- Notarized PoA (original)
Copyright Opposition & Dispute Services
We provide dedicated services in copyright opposition and dispute resolution, including:
- Filing and defending objections during copyright registration proceedings
- Representation in hearings before the Registrar
- Challenging ownership, originality or authorship claims
- Strategic use of copyright in parallel IP disputes
Overlap with Trademark Law (Logos & Brand Elements)
Artistic works—particularly logos, labels and packaging often qualify for dual protection under both copyright and trademark law.
We advise and represent clients in:
- Trademark opposition proceedings based on prior copyright in artistic logos
- Enforcement against unauthorized reproduction of logos used as trademarks
- Parallel actions combining:
- trademark infringement
- copyright infringement
- Strategic use of copyright to block bad-faith trademark filings
This dual-rights approach significantly strengthens enforcement and opposition strategy in Pakistan.
Ownership, Assignment and Royalties
- copyright initially vests in the author
- transferable through assignment
- licensing may include royalty arrangements
- employer ownership may apply
Infringement and Litigation
- injunctions
- damages and account of profits
- criminal remedies (piracy)
- seizure of infringing goods
- customs enforcement
Berne Convention
Copyright protection is automatic across member countries.
Strategic Note
Registration is not mandatory but strongly recommended for enforcement and commercialization.
Legal Framework
National Laws:
- Copyright Ordinance, 1962
- Copyright Rules, 1967
International Treaties:
- Berne Convention
- TRIPS Agreement
Key Practical Points
- protection is automatic upon creation
- registration strengthens enforcement
- separate application required per work
- artistic works require publication
- affidavit and undertaking are mandatory filing documents
- notarized PoA in original is required when filed through counsel
Conclusion
We provide comprehensive copyright services, including registration, opposition, enforcement and commercialization, with particular strength in handling overlapping copyright and trademark disputes involving artistic works and brand assets.
Filing requirements
- Application to the Copyright Office with the particulars of the work and the prescribed fee; a separate application for each work.
- A copy of the application must be sent to every other person interested in the copyright, and the Registrar waits 30 days for objections (Copyright Rules, rule 4(3) and 4(4)).
- For an artistic work, the applicant must advertise the work in a national Urdu or English daily newspaper (rule 4(3-A)).
Source: Copyright Ordinance, 1962; Copyright Rules, 1967.
Terms of protection
| Work | Term | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works published in the author's lifetime | 50 years from the year after the author's death | s.18 |
| Cinematographic works, records and photographs | 50 years from the year after publication | s.20 |
| Anonymous and pseudonymous works | 50 years from the year after first publication | s.21 |
| Broadcasts | 25 years from the year after the broadcast | s.24 |
| Performers and producers of phonograms | 50 years from the end of the year of fixation or performance | s.24A |
| IPO-Pakistan's published average from filing to registration | About 11 months | IPO-Pakistan |
Court decisions
Selected decisions on this area of law, linked to the published judgment. Summaries are general information, not legal advice, and may not reflect later appeals; please read the full text.
The State v. Muhammad Amin Haroon
The FIA may act on Copyright Ordinance offences only where Government work is involved; private copyright disputes go to the police and courts. Infringement requires an identifiable owner or claimant of the original work.
Read the judgment ↗List checked on 23 October 2026. Sources: High Court of Sindh case law portal and published reports.
Discuss your matter with us
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