You developed software and want to register copyright as evidence of ownership in case of disputes? The fee and where to file are the first two questions. The legal framework: Circular 211/2016/TT-BTC (effective 1 January 2017, still in force) sets the fee, and the receiving authority was renamed on 30 September 2026.
1. Registration fee: VND 600,000 per Certificate
Under Circular 211/2016/TT-BTC, the fee for issuance of a Copyright Registration Certificate is VND 600,000 per Certificate. This is a fixed state fee for issuing the Certificate — covering software copyright registration.
2. Where to file: new authority name since 30 September 2026
The authority receiving copyright registrations has been renamed. Since 30 September 2026, under Decree 298/2026 and Decision 2558/QD-BVHTTDL, the authority is the Department of Cultural Industry and Copyright. When looking up procedures, filing dossiers or contacting the authority, use this new name — the old name “Copyright Office” is no longer current.
3. Registration is not mandatory — but has evidentiary value
Under the Intellectual Property Law (consolidated document 67/VBHN-VPQH dated 23/3/2026, including Law 131/2025 effective 1 April 2026), copyright arises automatically upon creation of the work in a tangible form — registration is not a mandatory condition for holding copyright.
However, registration and issuance of a Certificate has evidentiary value in disputes: it is official evidence of the time, the right holder and the protected content of the work. For software — an asset easily copied — a registration Certificate puts the owner in a much stronger position when proving their rights.
4. Software registration dossier
The dossier components for copyright registration of software are detailed in the guidance of the competent authority. Because the authority was renamed on 30 September 2026, you should consult the latest guidance of the Department of Cultural Industry and Copyright (searching under the correct new name) for the updated dossier list and declaration forms, avoiding old forms bearing the old authority name.
Frequently asked questions
What is the software copyright registration fee?
VND 600,000 per Copyright Registration Certificate (Circular 211/2016/TT-BTC).
Where do I file a copyright registration?
The Department of Cultural Industry and Copyright — the new name since 30 September 2026 (Decree 298/2026 + Decision 2558/QD-BVHTTDL). Do not use the old “Copyright Office” name when searching or filing.
Do I lose software copyright if I do not register?
No. Copyright arises automatically; registration only has evidentiary value and is not mandatory (IP Law, 67/VBHN-VPQH).
Does Circular 38/2023 apply to software copyright registration?
No. Circular 38/2023 concerns industrial property and is unrelated to copyright registration.
Sources
- Circular 211/2016/TT-BTC (effective 1 January 2017, still in force): fee for issuance of a Copyright Registration Certificate VND 600,000 per Certificate;
- Decree 298/2026/ND-CP and Decision 2558/QD-BVHTTDL: new authority name since 30 September 2026 — Department of Cultural Industry and Copyright;
- IP Law (67/VBHN-VPQH dated 23/3/2026, including Law 131/2025 effective 1 April 2026): copyright arises automatically; registration has evidentiary value only, not mandatory.
This article is for reference only and does not constitute legal advice. The content was drafted by AI and will be reviewed for quality by the AI Legal Council of FLAT Law Firm before approval for publication; it is not the legal opinion of a licensed human lawyer. Laws and regulations may change; please verify the current legal texts before applying them.
Need to register software copyright or protect intellectual property? Contact FLAT Law Firm for advice.
