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Game Copyright Registration: Full Protection for Your Game Product 2026

Video games are not merely entertainment products; they are also valuable intellectual assets. Registering game copyrights enables developers and businesses to establish legal ownership and mitigate the risks of unauthorized copying, distribution, or copyright disputes. This article provides a detailed guide on the game copyright registration process.

1. What is game copyright registration?

Game copyright registration is the procedure for formally recognizing copyright over the creative elements that constitute a video game, in accordance with intellectual property laws.

a. Why do games require protection?

A game title is typically the result of significant investment in human resources, finances, and time. A game product may comprise various elements, such as software source code, interface graphics, character designs, sound effects, background music, visual effects, storylines, scripts, and promotional videos.

Without adequate protection, these elements are highly susceptible to being copied to create similar versions, resulting in financial losses and reputational damage for the developer.

b. What are the risks of not registering game copyrights?

Although copyright arises automatically, in the event of a dispute, the owner bears the burden of proving their status as the creator or the rightful owner.

Common risks associated with failing to register game copyrights include:

  • Unauthorized copying of game source code.
  • Unauthorized use of character imagery by competitors.
  • Release of "clone" games.
  • Difficulty addressing infringements on platforms like the App Store or Google Play.
  • Lengthy processes to prove ownership during litigation.

Consequently, many game developers choose to register copyrights immediately after completing each stage of the game's development.

2. Under what forms are games protected?

Contrary to popular belief, Vietnamese law does not register game copyright as a single, unified entity; instead, it protects the individual components that make up the product.

a. Game software/source code

Under Point m, Clause 1, Article 14 of the Law on Intellectual Property, computer programs are subject to copyright protection.

Game source code is classified as a computer program and is eligible for copyright registration.

This protection serves to:

  • Prevent the copying of source code.
  • Protect algorithms and program structures.
  • Establish a legal basis for resolving disputes.

b. Images, audio, scripts, and characters

In addition to the computer program itself, various other game components may be protected based on their specific work categories.

Examples include:

  • Character artwork: applied art works.
  • Concept art.
  • Backgrounds.
  • Icons.
  • Background music: musical works.
  • Sound effects.
  • Game scripts.
  • Dialogue content.
  • Video trailers: cinematographic works or audiovisual works, depending on the specific case.

According to Article 14 of the Law on Intellectual Property, these types of works are eligible for protection provided they meet the requirement of being directly created by the author. Consequently, a single game product can have copyright registered for multiple distinct elements rather than just a single, all-encompassing registration.

3. Game Copyright Registration Dossier

The game copyright registration dossier must be comprehensively prepared, covering each component of the product. For projects involving multiple authors, clearly defining ownership rights from the outset facilitates a smoother registration and rights-exploitation process.

a. Documentation for each component

For computer programs, the dossier typically includes:

  • A portion of the source code (as prescribed by regulations).
  • A description of program functions.
  • Software interface visuals.
  • Documentation proving ownership.

For images or characters:

  • Design files.
  • Illustrations.
  • Description of the work.

For music:

  • Audio files.
  • Musical notation/score (if available).

Proper preparation of the registration dossier from the start helps shorten processing time and prevents errors.

b. Considerations for games with multiple authors

This is a very common scenario; clearly defining ownership rights before registering the copyright helps minimize future disputes.

A game project may involve:

  • Programmers.
  • UI/UX designers.
  • 2D artists.
  • 3D artists.
  • Writers/Scriptwriters.
  • Composers.

In such cases, it is necessary to clearly determine:

  • Who the authors are.
  • Who the copyright owner is.
  • Whether there are employment contracts or work-assignment contracts.
  • Whether there are written agreements regarding the transfer of economic rights.

4. Game Copyright Registration Procedure

After preparing the complete dossier, the owner must follow the prescribed procedure for game copyright registration.

a. Implementation Steps

The game copyright registration process generally involves the following steps:

  • Step 1: Identify the components to be registered (e.g., source code, character set, background music, etc.).
  • Step 2: Prepare the dossier and finalize all required documents based on the specific type of work.
  • Step 3: Submit the dossier; submission may be made directly or through a copyright representation organization.
  • Step 4: Monitor the processing status; if the dossier requires amendments or additional information, the applicant must comply with the requests of the competent authority.
  • Step 5: Receive the Copyright Registration Certificate if the dossier is valid. Under current regulations, the Certificate is issued within 15 working days from the date a complete and valid dossier is received.

b. Submission Location

Currently, copyright registration dossiers are submitted to the Copyright Office of Vietnam or its authorized representative offices. In addition to direct submission, the owner may authorize a representation organization to handle the entire procedure.

5. Comprehensive protection for a game product

Registering a game copyright is merely one component of an intellectual property protection strategy. To minimize the risk of copying or brand misappropriation, businesses should establish a comprehensive protection plan right from the product development stage.

a. Combining copyright and trademarks

Copyright protects: source code, imagery, audio, scripts, and videos. Meanwhile, trademarks protect: the game title, game logo, and brand symbols.

If a business registers only the copyright without the trademark, it risks having another party register the game's name or logo for the same product category first, thereby impacting business operations.

b. Comprehensive protection strategy

To mitigate legal risks, studios should:

  • Register copyrights immediately after completing individual components.
  • Register trademarks for the game title and logo.
  • Sign clear contracts with programmers, artists, and collaborators.
  • Maintain comprehensive documentation evidencing the creative process.
  • Monitor and promptly address instances of copying on digital platforms.

For games slated for international release, businesses should also consider registering intellectual property rights in target markets to expand the scope of protection.

6. Frequently Asked Questions

a. What are the costs and timelines for game copyright registration?

Registration costs depend on:

  • The type of work being registered.
  • The number of components requiring protection.
  • Whether the process is handled independently or through a representative agency.

According to regulations, provided the application is valid, the Copyright Registration Certificate is typically issued within 15 working days from the date the competent authority receives a complete and valid dossier.

b. How do I register copyright for a mobile game?

For mobile games, the owner can register copyright for individual components, such as:

  • Computer program (source code).
  • User interface (UI).
  • Character imagery.
  • App icon.
  • Background music.
  • Sound effects.
  • Storyline/plot.

Additionally, if the game is commercially released, the business should also register trademarks for the game's name and logo to strengthen brand protection in the market.

Registering game copyright helps protect ownership rights, deters copying, and establishes a legal basis should disputes arise. For comprehensive protection, it is advisable to combine copyright and trademark registration. If you require assistance with game copyright registration or advice on intellectual property protection, VCD is ready to support you from consultation and dossier preparation to procedural representation helping to save time and ensure legal compliance.