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How to Song Copyright Registration in Vietnam: A Complete Guide from A to Z

Are you a songwriter, singer, or music producer looking to Song Copyright Registration for your song in Vietnam? This article provides a comprehensive step-by-step guide on the procedures, required documents, and legal steps to ensure your musical work is properly protected. If you want to secure your author rights and avoid infringement risks, don’t miss this updated and detailed information.

What Is Song Copyright Registration?

According to Point d, Clause 1, Article 14 of the 2005 Intellectual Property Law (amended in 2009), musical works are one of the forms protected by copyright. In other words, song copyright refers to the author’s rights over musical compositions.
Decree No. 22/2018/ND-CP, Article 10, defines musical works as those expressed in musical notation (sheet music) with or without lyrics, regardless of performance.
Currently, Vietnamese law does not provide an official definition of “song copyright registration.” However, it refers to the procedure by which the author or owner submits a registration application to the Copyright Office and is issued a Certificate of Copyright Registration for their musical work.

Sample Copyright Registration Certificate
Sample Copyright Registration Certificate

Who Should Register Song Copyright?

The following individuals and organizations are encouraged to register copyrights to protect their legal rights:

  • Songwriters, singers who compose songs: Registering copyright affirms ownership and prevents unauthorized use or plagiarism.
  • Entertainment companies, record labels: Protect intellectual property in music production and distribution on digital platforms or in commercial projects.
  • Individuals or organizations commissioning compositions: Ensure the legal use of songs in business, advertising, or media without future ownership disputes.

Registering copyright is not only a legal step but also part of a professional strategy to manage and develop music assets.

Song Copyright Registration Fees

Song copyright registration in Vietnam involves two main types of fees:

Item Description Fee
Government fee Official fee paid to the Copyright Office for application processing 100,000 VND
Service fee (if authorized) Fee for representation service (e.g., Luat Hoang Phi) to handle the registration process 2,400,000 VND
Total service package Includes both government and service fees 2,500,000 VND

Using a representative service saves time and ensures legal compliance and accurate documentation.

Ngoài ra người dùng có thể tham khảo thêm một số nội dung liên quan khác như:

Required Documents for Song Copyright Registration

Under Article 50 of the 2005 Intellectual Property Law (amended) and Article 36 of Decree 22/2018/ND-CP, the following documents are needed:

  • Copyright registration application form (from the Copyright Office)
  • Two copies of the musical work (with sheet music and/or lyrics)
  • Authorization letter (if filing on behalf of the author or owner)
  • Documents proving filing rights (e.g., inheritance, assignment)
  • Written consent from co-authors (for joint works)
  • Written consent from co-owners (for jointly owned works)
  • Proof of fee payment (if submitted via post or bank transfer)

Proper and complete documentation ensures a smooth registration process and avoids rejections or delays.

Eligibility Conditions for Song Copyright Registration

A song must meet the following criteria for copyright protection:

  • Originality: The work must be independently created by the author, not copied or derived from another.
  • Tangible expression: The work must be fixed in a material form such as a recording, written sheet, or printout. Purely conceptual ideas are not eligible.
  • Lawful content: The song must not violate state interests, social ethics, or third-party rights.

Example:
If Musician A creates a song titled “N”, but it is found that 2/3 of the content matches a previously registered song by Musician B, it lacks originality and is therefore ineligible for copyright certification.

Steps to Register Song Copyright in Vietnam

Based on Chapter IV of Decree 22/2018/ND-CP, the registration process includes 3 main steps:

Step 1: Submit the Application
Prepare one complete set of documents and submit to the Copyright Office either:

  • In person
  • By post

Submission locations:

Location Address
Copyright Office (Hanoi) 33, Alley 294/2 Kim Ma St., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi
Southern Office (Ho Chi Minh City) 170 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Dist. 3, HCMC
Central Office (Da Nang) 58 Phan Chu Trinh, Hai Chau Dist., Da Nang

Step 2: Application Review
The Copyright Office reviews the application for completeness and legal compliance. If valid, they will issue the Copyright Certificate.

Step 3: Receive the Result
The certificate can be collected in person or delivered via postal service.

Processing Time and Fee

  • Processing time: 15 working days from the receipt of a valid application
  • Registration fee: 100,000 VND per certificate (as per Circular 211/2016/TT-BTC)

How Long Does Song Copyright Last?

Vietnamese law divides copyright duration into two categories:

Category Rights Included Duration
Economic rights (limited) Publication, derivative works, public performance, reproduction, distribution, communication to the public, rental (film/software) Lifetime of the author + 50 years after death (or 50 years after the death of the last co-author)
Moral rights (unlimited) Right to title, name attribution, integrity of the work Perpetual (no expiration)

Note: Expiry dates are calculated as of 24:00 on December 31 of the final year.

BH Media’s Song Copyright Registration Services

With years of experience in music copyright and digital media, BH Media offers professional and effective registration support. When using BH Media’s services, clients can rest assured their legal paperwork will be handled accurately and efficiently.

BH Media provides:

  • Song copyright verification
  • Complete documentation drafting
  • Application submission and tracking
  • Delivery of official Copyright Certificate

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does song copyright registration cost?

Costs may vary depending on the case. Contact BH Media for tailored consultation. We offer all-in-one service and guaranteed results.

What is song/music copyright registration?

It is a legal process to recognize authorship rights of a musical work with the Copyright Office. Upon approval, a Certificate of Copyright Registration is issued.

What are the eligibility conditions?

  • Fixed in material form (sheet music, lyrics, recordings)
  • Independently created, not copied
  • Lawful and non-infringing

How to register song/music copyright?

  1. Prepare application documents
  2. Submit to the Copyright Office
  3. Track the review process
  4. Receive the certificate
BH Media can manage the entire process on your behalf
BH Media can manage the entire process on your behalf

Where to submit the application?

  • Directly at the Copyright Office
  • Via Vietnam Post
  • Online via the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism e-service portal

If you need comprehensive support, BH Media is ready to assist with a reputable and professional service.

Conclusion
Registering song copyright not only protects your legal rights but also helps you build a professional and sustainable music career. If you’re looking for a trustworthy and experienced partner, BH Media is the ideal choice. With a team of copyright law experts and efficient processes, BH Media ensures lawful, time-saving, and cost-effective registration for your music.

Protect your musical creations today with BH Media – the trusted partner of thousands of Vietnamese artists and music producers!

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