Copyrights

Copyright protects original works of authorship, including literary, artistic, musical, cinematographic works, and software, by granting exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, adapt, perform and commercially exploit such works.

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.

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)

1. Pre-Filing and Documentation (3–7 working days)

• 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.

2. Filing and Application Number (1–3 working days)

• filing before Copyright Office
• issuance of Application Number

3. Statutory Waiting & Examination (30 days)

• mandatory 30-day waiting period for objections
• examination by Registrar

4. Publication (Artistic Works Only) (1–2 months)

• mandatory newspaper publication for artistic works (logos, labels, packaging)
• submission of publication proof

5. Objection & Hearing (if any) (3–12+ months)

• third-party objections
• written submissions and evidence
• hearings before Registrar

6. Registration and Certificate (Total timeline: 6-18 months)

• 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

Enforcement and Authorities

We represent clients before:

• Copyright Office
• Copyright Board
• IP Tribunals
• High Courts
• Civil & Criminal Courts
• Customs Authorities
• Law Enforcement Agencies

Infringement and Litigation

• injunctions
• damages and account of profits
• criminal remedies (piracy)
• seizure of infringing goods
• customs enforcement

International Protection

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

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.