Copyright Registration for Computer Programs in Vietnam: Legal Basis, Benefits and Procedures

Posted on by trantran

In the context of rapid digital transformation, computer programs have become core intellectual assets for enterprises, startups and individuals operating in the technology sector. However, many right holders still underestimate the importance of copyright registration for computer programs until legal disputes arise.

1. Are computer programs protected in Vietnam?

Under Article 22 of the Law on Intellectual Property of Vietnam, computer programs are protected as literary works and fall within the scope of copyright protection.

Copyright arises automatically from the moment a computer program is created and fixed in a material form. Nevertheless, a Certificate of Copyright Registration serves as the most important legal evidence to prove ownership in case of disputes.

2. Why should copyright for computer programs be registered?

Registering copyright for computer programs offers significant legal and commercial advantages, including:

  • Clear legal evidence of ownership

  • Facilitation of licensing, assignment, capital contribution and investment

  • Legal grounds to enforce rights against infringement

  • Enhancement of the commercial value and credibility of software products

In practice, many disputes arise due to the absence of proper documentation proving copyright ownership from the outset.

3. Scope of copyright protection for computer programs

Copyright protection may cover different forms of expression of a computer program, such as:

  • Source code

  • Object code

  • Program interface

  • Technical documentation and user manuals

Determining the appropriate scope of protection requires careful legal assessment to ensure both confidentiality and compliance with statutory requirements.

4. Procedure for copyright registration in Vietnam

The typical procedure includes the following steps:

  1. Legal consultation on ownership and scope of protection

  2. Preparation of copyright registration dossiers

  3. Filing with the Copyright Office of Vietnam

  4. Responding to official requests, if any

  5. Issuance of the Certificate of Copyright Registration

Although statutory processing time is relatively short, well-prepared dossiers are essential to avoid delays.

5. Copyright registration services at Tran & Tran

With extensive experience in intellectual property matters, Tran & Tran provides comprehensive copyright registration services for computer programs, including:

  • In-depth legal consultation

  • Preparation and filing of complete dossiers

  • Representation before competent authorities

  • Monitoring until issuance of the certificate

Our goal is to maximize legal protection and commercial value for our clients’ technological assets.


TRAN & TRAN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CO., LTD.
📍 Room 802, Talico Building, 22 Ho Giam Street, Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam
📞 +84-24-3732 7466 | 📱 +84 917 913 266 (Mr. Phuong)
📧 ip@trantran.vn
🌐 www.trantranlaw.com

0917913266

Contact with Us