Registering copyright for computer programs is a crucial need for individuals, technology enterprises, startups, application developers, websites, digital platforms, and software products in the context of intellectual property assets possessing increasingly significant commercial value. When software is utilized for business, transfer, capital contribution, franchising, or provision to clients, having a clear legal dossier enables owners to proactively prove their rights, mitigate disputes, and protect their creative achievements.

I. Legal Basis

• Law on Intellectual Property amended and supplemented in 2025, taking effect from October 1, 2025.

• Decree No. 17/2023/ND-CP detailing a number of articles and measures for the implementation of the Law on Intellectual Property regarding copyright and related rights.

• Decree No. 134/2026/ND-CP amending and supplementing a number of regulations of Decree No. 17/2023/ND-CP on copyright and related rights.

II. Copyright for Computer Programs

• A computer program is a set of instructions expressed in the form of commands, codes, schematics, or any other form, which, when incorporated into a medium or device operated by a computer programming language, is capable of causing the computer or device to perform a task or achieve a specific result.

• Computer programs are protected by copyright pursuant to Article 14 of the Law on Intellectual Property 2025.

• Conditions for computer program protection (Pursuant to Clause 5, Article 21 of Decree No. 134/2026/ND-CP):

Copies of the computer program, including an electronic version containing the source code and interface of the installable and executable computer program, and a printed A4 version containing the entire interface and source code of that computer program. In the event the printed version of the aforementioned source code exceeds 100 pages, the first 25 pages, the middle 25 pages, and the last 25 pages of the source code must be printed;

For computer programs that are video games, the game script must be provided.

III. Dossier for Computer Program Copyright Registration

Pursuant to Article 18 of Decree No. 134/2026/ND-CP, the dossier components include:

• Declaration requesting the issuance of a Copyright Registration Certificate.

• Two copies of the computer program work.

• Power of Attorney if the applicant is authorized by the author, copyright owner, or related right owner.

• Documents proving ownership of rights: Citizen Identity Card for individuals / Enterprise Registration Certificate for organizations, etc.

• Documents proving ownership of rights via personal creation, assignment of creative duties, execution of a creative contract, inheritance, or transfer of rights.

• Written consent of co-authors, if the work has co-authors.

• Written consent of co-owners, if the copyright is jointly owned.

IV. Procedure for Computer Program Copyright Registration

• Step 1: Determine the author, owner, and scope of the computer software requiring copyright registration.

• Step 2: Prepare the legal dossier, copies of the computer software, and the software description.

• Step 3: Submit the dossier.

Submission methods: Direct submission / via postal service / via the online public service portal.

Competent authority: Copyright Office of Vietnam – Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

• Step 4: The competent authority reviews the dossier.

Processing time: 30 days or more, depending on the validity and completeness of the dossier components.

• Step 5: Issuance of the Copyright Registration Certificate for the computer program.

Timeframe: Within 15 days from the date of receipt of a valid dossier.

• Step 6: The competent authority records and publishes the copyright registration in the National Register of Copyright.

The above is our comprehensive article on the Procedure for copyright registration of computer programs in 2026. Should Clients require more detailed advice, clarification, or information on how to access this service, please contact Lawyer Nguyen Duc Trong directly via hotline: 0912.35.65.75, or send a service request via email: lawyer@hongbanglawfirm.com.

Wishing Clients and your families health, peace, and success!

Best regards, Hong Bang Law Firm./.

Tags: computer programs