Author: Editor VCD

Instructions for registering copyright for product images

Written by Editor VCD on 27 November, 2025. Posted in Announcement, Copyright Registration, Fine art work and applied art work. No Comments on Instructions for registering copyright for product images

In the current digital age, product images are not only a means of promotion but also an important intellectual property. Registering copyright for product images helps businesses and individuals protect their rights and avoid being copied or used illegally. The following article will provide detailed instructions on how to register copyright for product images, the process, conditions, as well as important notes.

What is a product image?

According to the Intellectual Property Law 2022, copyrighted works include photographic works, applied fine arts works, and other types of creative images. Product images are understood as photographs or designs that represent your product, including:

Photos of actual products (physical products).

Photos of simulated, 3D or illustrative graphics.

Advertising photos, posters, and banners introducing products.

These images have commercial value and can be protected by copyright if they meet the legal requirements on copyright.

Why register copyright for product images?

Registering copyright for product images is an extremely important step for businesses and individuals who own images, because it brings many practical benefits.

Protecting intellectual property rights: Product images are important intellectual property, demonstrating creativity and commercial value. When registering copyright, you will have a solid legal basis to prove ownership and prevent acts of copying and unauthorized use by competitors or other individuals.

Preventing copying and infringement: In the competitive and strongly developing business environment of the internet, product images are easily copied and used illegally. Registering copyright helps you prevent the use of images without permission, protecting the brand and reputation of the business.

Increase brand value: Exclusive product images create a competitive advantage in the market. When images are copyrighted, customers and partners will have more confidence in the quality and reputation of the product, thereby increasing brand value.

Support dispute resolution: If a copyright dispute occurs, the Copyright Registration Certificate is important legal evidence. It helps you easily protect your legal rights before the court or competent authorities.

Affirm legality and professionalism: Registering copyright of product images demonstrates the professionalism and compliance with the law of the business. This helps build trust with customers, partners and investors.

Application for registration of copyright of product images

To register copyright of product images at the Copyright Office of Vietnam, you need to prepare the following documents:

Copy of product image (digital file or printed copy).

Copy of identity documents (ID card/CCCD or passport for individuals; business registration certificate for organizations).

Power of attorney (if submitted through a representative).

Documents proving originality (if any, for example, original file, photo of the image creation process).

Preparing a complete application will help the registration process go quickly, avoiding having to supplement it many times.

Product image copyright registration process

The product image copyright registration process includes the following basic steps:

Step 1: Prepare documents

Fill in the registration form with full information about the work, author and owner.

Prepare accompanying documents such as product images, personal or organizational documents.

Step 2: Submit application

Applications can be submitted directly to the Vietnam Copyright Office or by post.

Pay the registration fee according to regulations.

Step 3: Appraisal of application

The Copyright Office will check the completeness and validity of the application.

In case the application is incomplete, you will receive a request for additional information.

Step 4: Issuance of certificate

If the application is valid, the Copyright Office will issue a Certificate of Copyright Registration for the product image.

The time to issue the certificate is usually 2 – 3 months from the date of submission of a valid application.

Important notes when registering copyright for product images

When registering copyright for product images, in addition to preparing the application and following the correct procedure, you also need to note some important points to ensure that the copyright is fully protected and avoid legal risks.

Independent creation: Do not register images copied or taken from other sources.

Preserve original records: Store original files, documents and Copyright Certificate carefully.

Update copyright when changing: If the product image is edited or a new version is created, it is recommended to register additional copyright to protect the author’s rights.

Legal use of other people’s images: If you use images from other sources, you need to ask for permission and clearly state the source to avoid copyright infringement.

Above is a detailed guide on registering copyright for product images that VCD shares with you. Copyright protection not only helps you protect intellectual property, prevent illegal copying but also increases brand value and reputation in the market.

Sincerely,

1. What documents are required to register a copyright for a product image?

The documents include: Copyright registration form, a copy of the product image, documents proving ownership, the owner’s ID card/CCCD, and a power of attorney (if submitted through a representative).

2. What is the current processing time for a product image copyright registration?

The normal processing time is about 12-15 working days from the date of receipt of a valid application. You can pick it up in person or request it to be sent by post.

Procedure for registering copyright of theatrical works in Vietnam

Written by Editor VCD on 26 November, 2025. Posted in Announcement, Choreography works, Copyright Registration. No Comments on Procedure for registering copyright of theatrical works in Vietnam

Theatrical works have high artistic and commercial value, but are easily copied or used illegally. Registering copyright of theatrical works not only protects the legal rights of the author but also enhances the reputation and commercial value of the work. The following article VCD will guide in detail each step in the process of registering copyright of theatrical works in Vietnam.

What is a theatrical work?

According to Article 14 of the Intellectual Property Law 2022, theatrical works include works created for performance on stage:

Drama scripts, plays, operas, reformed operas, puppet shows, musicals, etc.

Plays with content, scripts, dialogues, music, props, stage designs, etc.

Dramatic works that combine many different art forms.

A stage work is protected by copyright when it meets the conditions of independent creation, demonstrates creativity and has a certain form (According to Article 15 of the Intellectual Property Law 2022).

Why is it necessary to register copyright for stage works?

Registering copyright for stage works brings many practical benefits, especially in the context of the current competitive art environment:

Protecting intellectual property rights: Stage works are the result of the author’s intellectual labor. When registering copyright, the author will have authentic legal evidence to prove ownership and prevent acts of illegal copying and performance (Articles 28 and 29 of the Intellectual Property Law).

Preventing infringement and copying: Many stage works are often copied from scripts, props or performance methods without permission. Copyright registration gives the author a basis to request the cessation of unauthorized use and compensation for damages.

Affirming prestige and commercial value: Copyrighted stage works create trust with producers, directors, actors and audiences, thereby increasing commercial value and opportunities for performance cooperation.

Support for dispute resolution: In case of copyright disputes, the Copyright Registration Certificate is important legal evidence for settlement in court or competent authority (Article 26 of the Intellectual Property Law 2022).

Conditions for stage works to be copyrighted

According to Article 15 of the Intellectual Property Law 2022, stage works are protected by copyright when:

Independent creation: The work must be created independently, not copied from another work.

Have a certain form: The work must be expressed in the form of a written copy, audio recording, video recording or any form that can be stored.

Artistic value: The work demonstrates creativity, expresses unique ideas, content, and art.

Note: Abstract ideas or concepts that have not been expressed in a specific work will not be protected by copyright.

Detailed process for registering copyright for theatrical works

The process for registering copyright for theatrical works in Vietnam includes the following basic steps:

Step 1: Prepare documents

To register copyright at the Copyright Office of Vietnam, the author needs to prepare a complete dossier including:

Copies of theatrical works: Written script, dialogue, musical, or audio/video recording of the play. If the work combines many art forms, it is necessary to submit corresponding illustrative documents.

Identity documents: Individual: ID card/CCCD or passport. Organization: Business registration certificate.

Power of attorney (if submitted through a representative).

Documents proving the originality (if any), e.g., original manuscript, composition process, audio/video recording storage.

Step 2: Submit application

Applications can be submitted directly to the Vietnam Copyright Office or sent by post.

Pay the registration fee according to current regulations.

Step 3: Appraisal of application

The Copyright Office will check the completeness and validity of the application.

If the application is not complete, the author will receive a request for additional information.

Step 4: Issuance of Certificate

If the application is valid, a Certificate of Copyright Registration will be issued.

The time for issuance of the certificate is usually 2-3 months from the date of submission of a valid application.

5. Important notes when registering copyright for stage works

To effectively protect copyright, when registering copyright for stage works, authors need to pay attention to basic principles to prevent copying, preserve records and ensure the legality of the work.

Independent creation: Do not register works copied from others. (Article 20 of the Intellectual Property Law 2022)

Preserving original records: Carefully store manuscripts, audio/video recordings and Certificates.

Legal use of other people’s works: Ask for permission and clearly state the source if you want to combine other people’s works to avoid copyright infringement.

In addition, storing video recordings, manuscripts, and rehearsal minutes is also important evidence in the event of a dispute.

Above is the entire process of registering copyright for stage works in Vietnam. Completing all steps will help authors protect intellectual property rights, prevent illegal copying and affirm the artistic value of the work.

Sincerely,

1. Where can I submit my application for copyright registration of a stage work?

You can submit your application at one of the following locations:
The Copyright Office in Hanoi (main receiving agency).Representative office in Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang.
Send your application by post to the Office or representative office.
Submit online via the Public Service Portal of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism if you want to save time.

2. Can I register copyright for an unpublished stage script?

Yes. According to the law, unpublished or unperformed works are still allowed to be copyrighted as long as they are your own creations and not copied from others. Registering before publication also helps you protect your copyright early, avoiding the risk of being copied when the work is released.

Is the director considered the author of a stage work?

Written by Editor VCD on 25 November, 2025. Posted in Announcement, Choreography works, Copyright Registration. No Comments on Is the director considered the author of a stage work?

When talking about stage plays, many people often think that the “author” is the scriptwriter, the playwright. But in reality, in stage creation, the role of the stage director is extremely important: they are the ones who shape the staging, layout, visuals, performance… So according to Vietnamese copyright law, Is the director considered the author of a stage work?? What are their roles and powers? Let’s find out with VCD in the article below!

What is a stage work?

According to Article 11, Clause 1 of Decree 22/2018/ND-CP, a stage work is defined as follows: “Works belonging to the performing arts genre, including: cheo, tuong, cai luong, puppetry, drama, folk drama, physical drama, musicals, circus, comedy, variety shows and other performing arts.”

Thus, a theatrical work is a collection of creative artistic performances, expressed through staging, performance and combining many elements such as script, music, acting, stage, lighting… to form a complete artistic whole.

From the perspective of intellectual property, theatrical works are one of the types of works protected by copyright under Clause 1, Article 14 of the 2022 Intellectual Property Law. This is a type of work that is protected when there is creativity and is expressed in a certain fixed form.

Is the director considered the author of a theatrical work?

This is a question that many artists, theaters and production units are interested in. Because a successful play depends largely on the director’s hand: shaping the style, layout, acting, stage effects…

The concept of “author” under the Intellectual Property Law

According to Clause 1, Article 12 of the Intellectual Property Law 2022, an author is a person who: “Directly creates a part or the whole of a work.”

This concept emphasizes that the author is the subject who directly participates in the creative process, not just in the role of providing general ideas or technical support. The author is the person who creates the content, form of expression or creative artistic elements of the work.

Thus, any individual who directly creates the content or form of expression of a work can be considered an author.

Does the law recognize the director of a theatrical work as an author?

According to Article 21 of the Intellectual Property Law 2022, individuals who participate in the creation of a theatrical work, including the director, are recognized as authors and enjoy certain personal rights.

The content of the law stipulates: “Those who perform creative work on stage works such as directors, choreographers… have the right to be named and enjoy related rights according to regulations.”

Therefore, not only scriptwriters but also directors, choreographers, musicians, stage designers… can be considered authors if they directly create parts of the content or performance form, contributing to the formation of a complete stage work. In short, directors are considered authors, but it is necessary to clearly understand that their scope of authorship is different from that of script authors.

In what aspects is a director an author of a stage work?

A director is not an author of a script, but is the author of the staging and form of the work. Specifically, the director is recognized as an author because:

They directly create the way the script is presented on stage

They decide the rhythm, acting, layout, and space handling

They shape the artistic style of the play

They create an independently creative staged work

As long as they directly create the content or form of presentation of the play, they can be recognized as an author under the Intellectual Property Law 2022. Therefore, the director is considered a co-author or author of the performance of the stage work.

Rights of the director in a theatrical work

Depending on the agreement with the production unit, the director may have the following rights:

Personal rights: According to Articles 19 and 21 of the Intellectual Property Law 2022, the director has the right to: Be named when the work is performed or promoted, to have his/her honor and reputation protected in his/her work, and to be required to respect the staging idea. This is a non-transferable right.

Property rights: According to Decree 21/2015/ND-CP, the director is entitled to royalties for his/her contribution to the play. The royalty rate can be agreed upon by the parties, but the law assumes that the director has the right to be paid commensurate with his/her creative efforts. However, the right to economic exploitation of the entire play (recording, screening, adaptation, etc.) usually belongs to the investor or the theater, unless otherwise stipulated in the contract.

The above is the answer to the question of whether the director is considered the author of the stage work or not. This not only protects the legal rights of the director but also affirms their important role in the process of creating and forming each stage play.

Sincerely,

FAQ

1. Does the director have economic ownership of the play?

The economic ownership of the entire theatrical work usually belongs to the theater or production unit, unless otherwise agreed in the contract. The director may receive royalties or a percentage of profits from exploiting the play but does not automatically own the full economic exploitation rights without signing a clear contract.

2. How can a director protect his copyright?

To protect the copyright in a theatrical work, the director should:
Sign a clear contract with the production unit, recording personal rights and property rights;
Register the copyright of the staging with the Copyright Office;
Request to have his name listed in the program, poster, and promotion of the play;
Keep records and documents related to the staging and creative process;
Clearly agree on royalties and benefits from exploiting the play.

How is copyright for paintings regulated?

Written by Editor VCD on 24 November, 2025. Posted in Announcement, Copyright Registration, Fine art work and applied art work. No Comments on How is copyright for paintings regulated?

Paintings are a creative art form but are also a field that is often copied, plagiarized, and used illegally. Therefore, understanding copyright for paintings plays an extremely important role. In the article below, VCD will help you understand copyright for paintings in accordance with Vietnamese law.

What is a painting?

According to the 2022 Intellectual Property Law, paintings belong to the group of plastic works, including artistic creations expressed through lines, layouts, and colors on any material.

Paintings can include:

Oil paintings

Acrylic paintings

Silk paintings

Watercolor paintings

Pencil paintings, sketches

Digital paintings

Paintings made of synthetic materials

Whether done by manual or technological methods, as long as the work bears its own creative mark and is “shaped in a certain material form”, it is considered a painting and is subject to copyright protection.

Conditions for a painting to be protected by copyright

A work is protected by copyright as soon as it is created and shaped, regardless of registration.

Conditions for a painting to be protected include:

The work is created by the author himself.

Not copied or remade from another person’s work.

Exists in material form: original painting, print, digital file.

So, whether you draw by hand or digitally, as soon as you complete the painting, you automatically own the copyright to your painting. However, in reality, artists and gallery owners often register copyright to have strong legal evidence when disputes arise.

What are the rights of copyright in a painting?

Personal rights

This is a right attached to the author, the personal rights of the author of a painting include:

The right to name the work.

The right to have a name (real name or pen name).

The right to publish the work for the first time or allow others to publish it.

The right to protect the integrity of the work, prevent acts of cutting, modifying, or distorting the content that affect the author’s reputation.

Personal rights (except the right to publish) cannot be transferred to others.

Property rights

The property rights of the author of a painting include:

The right to copy and reproduce the work.

The right to distribute and communicate the work to the public.

The right to display or allow the display of the work.

The right to publish the work on the digital environment (website, social network, NFT).

The right to license the use or transfer property rights.

Property rights can be transferred or allowed to be exploited under a contract.

Why is it necessary to register copyright for a painting? What is the registration dossier?

Although the current law does not require copyright registration for paintings, registration still brings many practical and important benefits to artists as well as owners of the works:

Create solid legal evidence when disputes arise: When a painting is copied, used illegally or there is a copyright dispute, the copyright registration certificate will be strong legal evidence to help identify the author, the time of creation and the legal ownership of the work. This is an important tool to protect the artist’s rights before the law.

Affirm the artist’s reputation and brand: A copyrighted painting will help the artist be officially recognized as the author, thereby enhancing their reputation in the art community. This not only helps them to be recognized in the art world but also helps to increase the selling price of paintings, especially for high-value works or art collections.

Increase the commercial value of the work: The copyright certificate helps to sign copyright contracts, print, display or export works more transparently and conveniently. This is the legal basis for negotiating royalties, copyright fees or profits from exploiting the work.

Protect digital works: In the digital age, digital paintings are easily copied and shared illegally online. Copyright registration increases the legal protection for these works, helping artists proactively protect their rights when violations are detected.

To register copyright for a painting, the author or owner needs to prepare the following documents:

02 copies of the work (photo or print).

ID card/CCCD of the author.

Transfer of rights (if the owner is not the author).

Note: The time to issue a copyright certificate is usually 10-15 working days from the date the agency receives a complete and valid application.

The above is an overview of copyright of paintings according to Vietnamese law. Although registration is not mandatory, it is an important tool for artists to assert ownership, creating favorable conditions for business, publishing, displaying and protecting works against violations.

Sincerely,

FAQ

1. Do paintings need to be registered for copyright?

According to current law, it is not mandatory to register copyright for paintings. However, registration will create strong legal evidence, protect artists from disputes, illegal copying and help increase commercial value as well as personal reputation.

2. Who is considered the author of a painting?

According to Clause 1, Article 12 of the Intellectual Property Law 2022, the author is the person who directly creates part or all of the work. In painting, the author can be the artist who paints directly, including traditional and digital paintings, as long as they play the main creative role and create the independent expression of the work.

Can an interview be registered for protection?

Written by Editor VCD on 21 November, 2025. Posted in Announcement, Choreography works, Copyright Registration. No Comments on Can an interview be registered for protection?

An interview is not just informational content but can also become intellectual property protected by law. So can an interview be copyrighted? In this article, VCD will answer in detail, guide you on how to register and what to note to best protect your work.

What subjects does an interview belong to in intellectual property law?

According to the provisions of the Vietnamese Intellectual Property Law, journalistic works, including articles, interviews, reports, and narratives, can be protected by copyright if they meet certain conditions.

Article 14 of the 2022 Intellectual Property Law clearly states: “Journalistic works are works published by press agencies or posted on media, including articles, interviews, reports, news, press photos, videos, and other works.”

Thus, an interview is a type of journalistic work, which means that it can be copyrighted if it satisfies the conditions of the law.

Conditions for an interview to be protected by copyright

Not every interview is protected. According to the law, an interview must meet the following basic conditions:

Creativity: The interview must bear the personal mark of the interviewer. This includes: Unique and creative way of asking questions; way of arranging and presenting information, leading the content attractively; writing style or voice of the author. If the interview is just a verbatim recording of the interviewee’s answers without any creative contribution, then the creative part of the article is protected, while the purely information part is not considered the subject of protection.

Specific form of expression: Copyright only protects the form of expression, not the idea or pure information content. For example: The questions and the way the interview is edited into a unique article will be protected; The content of the interviewee’s answers (if they are events or objective information) will not be protected if there is no creative element.

Clear author: The person conducting the interview must be clearly identified. This means that the interviewer is the copyright owner, not the interviewee, unless otherwise agreed.

Can an interview be registered for copyright?

An interview can be registered for copyright protection, but under certain conditions. According to Article 22 of Decree 22/2018/ND-CP, journalistic works can be registered for copyright at the Vietnam Copyright Office.

When registering for protection of an interview, the author needs to prepare:

Copy of the work: Including written, audio or video interviews.

Documents proving copyright (if necessary): Labor contract, power of attorney, or ownership confirmation document.

Registration fee: About a few hundred thousand VND (according to current regulations).

After registration, the author will receive a Copyright Registration Certificate, which helps:

Legal protection in case of disputes.

Affirming ownership of the work.

Easily licensing, transferring or commercializing the interview.

Important notes when registering copyright for an interview

When registering copyright for an interview, it is not only necessary to understand the procedures but also to pay attention to some important factors to ensure legal rights and avoid the risk of future disputes.

Consent of the interviewee: If the interview contains sensitive content or personal information, the author should have the written consent of the interviewee. This avoids the risk of litigation related to privacy or honor.

Unprotected information: As mentioned, answers, objective information, data, and events are not protected. Only the creative part of the article can be registered. Therefore, when a dispute occurs, it is necessary to clearly distinguish between creative content and factual information.

Time of registration: The law recommends registration before public announcement. Although copyright is automatically formed when the work is created, registration will be important legal evidence in case of a dispute.

Copyright of video or audio recording: If the interview is filmed or recorded, video and audio are also separately protected. In this case, the author can register: Copyright of the article, copyright of the audio/video recording.

Above is basic information about “Can an interview be registered for protection“, helping you understand the conditions, procedures, and important notes when registering copyright. Understanding these regulations will help protect intellectual property rights, affirm creative value and avoid legal disputes during the process of exploiting, publishing or sharing works.

Sincerely,

FAQ

1. Are interviews in the form of audio or video recordings protected?

Yes. Interviews expressed in audio or video are still protected under related rights and copyright if there is creativity in the content. You can register by submitting audio/video recording files with a description of the content for the appraisal agency.

2. Can copyright be registered if the interview is conducted by multiple people?

Yes. If the interview is created by multiple people contributing content, all are considered co-authors according to Article 38 of the Intellectual Property Law. In this case, the co-authors can: Jointly sign the registration application or authorize a representative to submit the application on behalf of all. The registration application must clearly show the agreement between the co-authors to avoid future disputes over ownership.

A-Z Process of Registering Copyright for Ebooks

Written by Editor VCD on 20 November, 2025. Posted in Announcement, Copyright Registration, Written works. No Comments on A-Z Process of Registering Copyright for Ebooks

In the digital age, eBooks are becoming a popular publishing channel that helps authors easily reach global readers. However, along with the opportunity comes the risk of copying and illegally sharing content. This article VCD will guide you in detail through the A-Z process of registering copyright for eBooks so that you can rest assured when publishing and exploiting your work legally.

Benefits of registering copyright for ebooks

According to the Vietnamese Intellectual Property Law, ebooks are considered written works, a type of copyright protected. Whether presented in the form of PDF, ePub, MOBI files or on an online platform, ebooks are still essentially literary and artistic works, expressing the creative thinking of the writer.

Thus, as soon as the work is created and expressed in a material form (file, print, manuscript), you automatically have copyright. However, to have solid legal evidence when a dispute arises, registering an ebook copyright at the Copyright Office is the right thing to do.

Registering an ebook copyright brings many practical benefits to the author or owner, including:

Affirming legal ownership of ebook content.

Preventing unauthorized copying and use, especially on social networking platforms and ebook sharing sites.

Creating trust with readers, publishers, and distribution partners about the authenticity of the work.

Is an important legal basis when disputes, complaints, or handling copyright infringement occur.

Increasing the commercial value of an ebook when collaborating, selling copyright, or converting it into other products (audiobooks, movies, plays, etc.).

Required documents to register copyright for ebooks

To submit an application for copyright registration for ebooks, you need to prepare the following documents:

02 copies of the ebook work (in the form of printed paper or CD/USB containing the ebook file).

A letter of guarantee that the author is the person who directly created the work, not copying from others.

Authorization letter (if authorizing a representative unit to carry out the procedure).

Documents proving ownership (if the ebook is created under a creative rental contract, work assignment…).

A copy of the ID card/CCCD or Business Registration Certificate (depending on whether the subject is an individual or an organization).

Note: The work should be printed with the ebook name, author name, and year of publication clearly on the cover page and the first part of the content to facilitate the review process.

A – Z process of registering copyright for eBooks

Here are the specific steps from the preparation stage to receiving the Copyright Certificate:

Step 1 – Prepare a complete and valid application: The author or owner prepares the application as above. You should carefully check the information on the declaration (name of work, author, time of creation, form of expression…) to avoid having the application returned.

Step 2 – Submit the application to the competent authority: There are 2 ways to submit an application for ebook copyright registration: Directly at the Copyright Office (33 Alley 294/2 Kim Ma, Ba Dinh, Hanoi) or at the Representative Office in Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang; Send the application by post or submit online via the Public Service Portal of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Step 3 – Pay registration fee: The fee for registering an ebook copyright is specified in Circular 211/2016/TT-BTC, usually ranging from 100,000 – 600,000 VND/work, depending on the type and form of registration by the author.

Step 4 – The Copyright Office reviews and issues a Certificate: Within 15 working days from the date of receiving a valid application, the Copyright Office will review and issue a Certificate of copyright registration for the ebook. If the application is not valid, the Office will notify the applicant to amend and supplement within the prescribed time.

Some important notes when registering an ebook copyright

Here are some important notes when registering an ebook copyright that you should not ignore.

The ebook must be created by the author himself, not copied or compiled illegally from other sources.

In case the ebook has multiple authors, it is necessary to clearly state the contribution or consensus ratio in the document.

If the ebook is published under a brand or company, the ownership may belong to the organization, but the personal rights still belong to the author.

Ebooks have accompanying images, illustrations or sounds, these elements should also be clearly listed in the registration dossier.

For internationally published ebooks, it is advisable to consider registering international copyright through the Berne Convention, which helps to be protected in more than 180 countries.

Above is the entire A-Z process of copyright registration for ebooks. If you own a dedicated ebook, register the copyright today to avoid the risk of being copied, content stolen and affirm legal ownership of your “brainchild”.

Sincerely,

FAQ

1. Is it mandatory to submit a printed copy when registering an ebook copyright?

Not required. With ebooks, you can submit a soft copy (PDF, epub, docx…) with a description of the content. However, many individuals still choose to print an additional hard copy to make the file clear and limit errors during appraisal.

2. How long does it take to register an ebook copyright?

Normally, the processing time is 7-15 working days from the date the agency receives a valid set of documents. In case the documents are missing or need to be supplemented, the time may be longer. If you need to get it quickly, you can ask the service unit to help shorten the process.

Do you need permission to re-perform a play?

Written by Editor VCD on 19 November, 2025. Posted in Announcement, Choreography works, Copyright Registration. No Comments on Do you need permission to re-perform a play?

Re-performing a famous play seems to be just a normal artistic activity, but in fact it is directly related to copyright and performance rights. So, do you need permission to re-perform a play, and who do you need permission from? Let’s find out more details with VCD in the article below.

What is a play?

A play is a work of theatrical art built on the basis of a literary script, expressed through the performance of actors, dialogue, gestures, music, lighting and stage set. Dramatic works can be spoken drama, cheo, tuong, cai luong, puppetry, musicals, physical drama, etc.

According to Article 11 of Decree 22/2018/ND-CP, theatrical works are a type of performing art work, protected by copyright law. This means that every play, whether classical or contemporary, is protected from unauthorized copying, performance or exploitation.

A play is not only the result of an artistic creation but also a valuable intellectual property. Therefore, when organizing a performance, re-enactment or re-exploitation of a play, the performer needs to clearly understand copyright rights and obligations to avoid violating the law.

Do you need permission to re-perform a play?

According to Article 20 of the 2022 Law on Intellectual Property, the author or copyright owner has the right to:

Allow others to perform the work in public;

Allow the adaptation, modification or re-enactment of the work;

Receive royalties, remuneration or material benefits when the work is exploited.

Therefore, re-performing a play without permission is an act of copyright infringement. Whether you keep the content or just “borrow the idea”, that action still needs the approval of the copyright owner.

However, there are cases where permission is not necessary:

If the play has expired (50 years after the author’s death), the work becomes public property, you do not need permission but must still clearly state the author’s name and must not distort the content.

If you perform non-commercially (only for study, research, no fee, no recording for release), you may be exempt from asking for permission but must cite the source and respect the original work.

For example: A group of students re-enact Romeo and Juliet for a school performance competition. If they do not sell tickets, do not make a profit, and only perform internally, they may not need permission, but if they post it on social networks or perform for tickets, it will be a public performance and must be permitted by the copyright owner.

Whom do you need permission from when you want to perform a play again?

To perform legally, the organizer needs to ask permission from the copyright owner. Specifically, you can contact the following entities:

The author of the script (if still alive);

The author’s legal heir;

The organization, theater or copyright holder (if the author has transferred the rights);

Or the Vietnam Center for Theatre Copyright (VCPAA) – the authorized representative of many authors and theatre units.

Applications for permission to re-perform a play usually include:

Title of the work, name of the author, script to be performed;

Scope, time, location of performance;

Purpose of use (commercial or non-commercial performance);

Agreement on royalties, remuneration or copyright fees;

Commitment not to modify or distort the original work.

Permission should be made in writing (contract, license, confirmation email, etc.) to have a legal basis if a dispute arises later.

Risks of re-performing a play without permission

Many amateur theater groups, students, or performance organizers think that “just performing for fun, not charging money” is okay. But in reality, re-performing a play without permission can still be considered copyright infringement according to Article 28 of the 2022 Intellectual Property Law.

Risks that may be encountered if re-performing a play without permission include:

Being administratively sanctioned: According to Decree 131/2013/ND-CP, the act of using or performing a work without permission can be fined from 15 to 35 million VND. In addition, violators are also: forced to stop performing or remove infringing videos and clips; forced to apologize and make public corrections; forced to return all revenue from the performance.

Being sued in civil court: Copyright owners can file a lawsuit to request compensation for damages (including material and mental losses). In some cases, they are also required to pay many times the copyright fee if they intentionally violate.

Damage to reputation and honor: In addition to legal damages, being discovered to “perform illegally” or “illegally create famous scripts” can cause the performance unit to lose reputation, affect the image of the individual, the theater troupe and future cooperation opportunities.

Above are all the answers to the question “Do you need permission to re-perform a play?” that VCD shares with you. Before re-enacting or re-performing any theatrical work, check the protection period and ask permission from the copyright owner to ensure all activities are legal and transparent.

Sincerely,

FAQ

1. Do I need permission if I only perform a play within a school or club?

Permission may still be required for internal performances, especially if there is a fee, widespread promotion, or recording and rebroadcasting on social media. Only certain cases of educational, non-commercial use and non-publication are exempted from permission.

2. Do I need permission to re-stage a play but edit or add content?

Yes. Any act of adapting, modifying, converting or modifying the content of a play must have permission from the author or copyright owner. Arbitrarily changing the content and then performing it may be considered copyright infringement and will be handled according to regulations.

Who is allowed to register copyright for theatrical works?

Written by Editor VCD on 18 November, 2025. Posted in Announcement, Cinematographic work, Copyright Registration, Copyright-related rights. No Comments on Who is allowed to register copyright for theatrical works?

In the field of performing arts, theatrical works are the crystallization of creativity, intellectual labor and emotions of many people from screenwriters, directors, to actors, musicians, choreographers… Therefore, registering copyright for theatrical works not only helps protect the legitimate rights of creators but is also an important step to affirm the value and intellectual sovereignty of the work. So who is allowed to register copyright for theatrical works? Let’s find out more details with VCD in the article below.

What is a theatrical work?

According to Article 11 Clause 1 Decree 22/2018/ND – CP: “The stage work specified in Point d Clause 1 Article 14 of the Law on Intellectual Property is a work belonging to the performing arts category, including: Cheo, Tuong, Cai Luong, puppetry, drama, folk drama, physical drama, musical, circus, comedy, variety and other performing arts.”

In other words, a stage work is a creative product of a synthetic nature, combining script content, music, acting, staging, costumes, lighting and expressive arts of actors. This work not only exists in written form (script) but is also vividly expressed through performances on stage.

Because of the participation of many different creative elements, a theatrical work often has many subjects contributing their efforts and intelligence, so determining the author and copyright owner is a very important issue to ensure the rights of the parties involved.

Who is allowed to register copyright for a theatrical work?

According to Article 13 of the 2022 Intellectual Property Law, the following subjects are allowed to register copyright for a theatrical work:

Authors who directly create the work

This is the person who personally creates all or part of the content of the work, for example:

Stage script author (person who writes the content, dialogue, structure of the play);

Director (person who stages, directs the art and expresses the stage ideas);

Choreographer (if it is a dance, musical, ballet);

Musicians, stage designers, costume designers (if these elements are independent creations of a work).

These individuals can register copyright for their own creative work, as long as it is independent and has its own value.

Co-authors

A stage play is often the result of collaboration between many people. In this case, if all of them participate in the creation with a common purpose and their contributions are inseparable, they are considered co-authors. For example:

The screenwriter and director jointly create a play from the idea stage to completion.

Two people jointly write a script or a stage program.

In that case, all co-authors have the right to register copyright for the stage work, and this right is established for the entire group.

Copyright owners

The author is not always the one who holds the right to register. In many cases, copyright belongs to the organization or individual who assigns the task or invests in the creation of the work. For example:

A theater, drama troupe, or art company assigns the task to the author to write the script and direct the production.

A business sponsors or orders the production of a play under a contract.

In that case, the organization, business, or individual who invests is considered the copyright owner and has the right to register in their name. However, personal rights (such as the right to register, the right to protect the integrity of the work) still belong to the original author, unless otherwise agreed.

2.4. Heirs, assignees of copyright

If the author or copyright owner transfers the rights, or has passed away and the rights are legally inherited, the assignee or heir also has the right to register the copyright. This ensures that the legal rights are maintained and protected in the event that the author no longer directly manages the work.

Benefits of registering copyright for stage works

Registering copyright is not mandatory, but brings many practical benefits to artists and performing organizations:

Prove legal ownership: The certificate is clear legal evidence when a dispute occurs.

Prevent illegal copying and staging: Helps protect creative efforts, avoid the situation of “directors remaking”, “copying scripts” without permission.

Increase commercial value: Registered works are easier to sell copyrights, license performances, broadcast or publish.

Affirm reputation and personal brand: Especially important for professional artists, directors, and screenwriters.

Above is the article Who is allowed to register copyright for stage works? that VCD shares with you. If you need assistance with copyright registration procedures for stage works, please contact VCD – a professional copyright consultancy unit, to help you complete your application quickly, accurately and legally according to the latest regulations.

Sincerely,

FAQ

1. In case of co-authorship, who will register the copyright?

If the stage work is created by multiple people, all co-authors have the right to register jointly, or authorize a representative to submit the application. The application must clearly show the contribution of each person as well as the consensus when registering the copyright.

2. Can an organization register the copyright for a stage work?

Yes. An organization can register the copyright if they are the legal owner, for example: the work was created under a creative lease contract, according to a task, or has been transferred/assigned. In this case, the author is still recognized for personal rights, while the property rights belong to the organization.

How long is a copyright certificate valid and to what extent?

Written by Editor VCD on 18 November, 2025. Posted in Announcement, Copyright Registration, Copyright-related rights. No Comments on How long is a copyright certificate valid and to what extent?

When a work is copyrighted, many authors and owners are often concerned about the time and extent to which the copyright certificate brings legal value. Understanding the validity of the certificate not only helps protect the rights of the copyright holder but also avoids confusion in the process of exploiting and using the work. So How long is a copyright certificate valid and to what extent?

What is a copyright certificate?

Copyright, also known as authorship, is the right of an organization or individual to a work they create or own. In which, the subject of copyright includes literary, artistic, and scientific works; the subject of rights related to copyright includes performances, audio recordings, video recordings, broadcast programs, and encrypted satellite signals.

A Copyright Registration Certificate is a document issued by a competent State agency to an author or copyright owner to record information about the author, work, or copyright owner. A Copyright Registration Certificate includes the following contents:

Name of the work;

Type of work: Name, address, nationality, ID card number or Citizen Identification card number of the author or copyright owner;

Number and date of issue of the Copyright Registration Certificate.

How long is a copyright certificate valid and to what extent?

How long is a Copyright Certificate valid for?

Copyrights include two basic groups of rights: personal rights and property rights, each group has a different protection period. The protection period is calculated from the time the work is created and expressed in a certain material form, such as being written, drawn, or saved to a file. This expression helps to determine that the work has been formed and can be protected by law.

Regarding personal rights, the law protects a number of important rights associated with the author indefinitely. These rights include the right to name the work; the right to have one’s real name or pen name on the work and to be named when the work is used; along with the right to protect the integrity of the work, not allowing anyone to edit, cut or distort the work in a way that affects the honor or reputation of the author. These are rights that never end, even when the property protection period has expired.

Meanwhile, the right to publish the work and property rights are only protected for a certain period of time. For cinematographic works, photographic works, applied fine arts works and anonymous works, the protection period is 75 years from the date of first publication. In cases where these works have not been published within 25 years from the date of formation, the protection period is extended to 100 years from the date of formation.

For anonymous works whose authors are later identified, as well as other types of works (such as literature, music, art, etc.), the term of protection is calculated throughout the author’s life and 50 years after the author’s death. If the work has multiple co-authors, the term of protection ends in the 50th year after the death of the last co-author. All term marks end at 24:00 on December 31 of the year of expiry.

One point to note is that the current copyright registration certificate does not state the term of protection. This is because the term of protection is determined by law based on the type of work and the corresponding rights, not depending on the content stated on the certificate.

What is the scope of the protection certificate?

Pursuant to Article 53 of the current Law on Intellectual Property, the Certificate of Copyright Registration and the Certificate of Related Rights Registration are determined to be valid throughout the territory of Vietnam. This provision also affirms that the certificates issued by the State management agency of copyright and related rights before the Law on Intellectual Property takes effect will continue to maintain their legal value. This ensures the stability and continuity of the issued certificates, avoiding interruptions in the process of rights protection.

In parallel, Article 44 of Decree 17/2023/ND-CP continues to clarify the principle of maintaining this validity. Specifically, the Certificates of Copyright Registration and Related Rights issued by predecessor agencies such as the Vietnam Copyright Protection Agency, the Vietnam Copyright Protection Agency, the Literary and Artistic Copyright Office, and the Copyright Office are all recognized and remain legally valid. Such a provision is to ensure that even if the management system changes over time, the rights of organizations and individuals who have been granted certificates are still fully protected.

Therefore, it can be affirmed that the scope of validity of the Certificate of Copyright Registration and Related Rights is the entire territory of Vietnam, and all certificates previously granted by competent authorities over time are recognized by law and continue to be valid.

Above is the article “ How long is a copyright certificate valid and to what extent?” that VCD sends to you. We hope this article is useful to you.

FAQ

1. How long is a copyright certificate valid?

A copyright certificate is valid for the entire period of time the work is protected by law. The term of protection depends on the type of work and the group of rights and can last from 50 years after the author’s death to 75–100 years for some types of works.

2. To what extent is a copyright certificate valid?

A certificate of registration of copyright and related rights is valid throughout Vietnam and is continuously recognized, including certificates issued by previous predecessor agencies.

Is it a copyright violation to make a parody MV?

Written by Editor VCD on 12 November, 2025. Posted in Announcement, Copyright Registration, Copyright-related rights, Musical work. No Comments on Is it a copyright violation to make a parody MV?

From Vpop hits to international songs, parody MVs are becoming a “golden land” for content creators to express their wit and personality. However, many people after going viral receive “copyright warnings” from the platform. The question is: Is it a copyright violation to make a parody MV? Let’s find out with VCD in the article below!

What is a parody MV?

“Parody”, also known as a parody version, is a form of recreating an original work (usually a song, MV, movie, or famous clip) from a humorous, satirical, or entertaining perspective. Parody MVs often retain the melody, setting, or plot of the original, but change the lyrics, content, or characters to create a humorous element or reflect society. For example, a famous song is “parodied” in a funny way, or a famous music video is re-filmed with amateur actors to make people laugh.

Because of the inspiration and “borrowing” of many elements from the original work, the copyright issue when filming a parody MV is always a controversial topic: Where is the boundary between “creativity” and “copyright infringement”?

Does filming a parody MV violate copyright?

According to the 2022 Intellectual Property Law, music, cinema, theater, fine arts, photography, and derivative works are all protected by copyright. Article 14 of the 2022 Intellectual Property Law stipulates: “A derivative work is a work created based on an existing work by translating, adapting, transforming, compiling, annotating, selecting…” Thus, a parody MV is considered a type of derivative work, because it uses elements of the original to create new content.

However, Clause 7, Article 28 of the 2022 Intellectual Property Law also clearly states: “The act of making a derivative work without permission from the copyright owner is an act of copyright infringement.”

This means that if you arbitrarily use the music, lyrics, images, context or identifying elements of the original MV to make a parody without asking for permission from the owner, you have violated copyright. Even if you change the lyrics or perform differently, that act is still based on someone else’s creative foundation, so it still needs to be licensed.

If a parody MV is determined to be infringing copyright, the creator may be subject to:

Video removal, deletion from social media platforms.

Administrative fine of 15-35 million VND (according to Decree 131/2020/ND-CP).

Compensation for civil damages if the owner proves loss of reputation or revenue.

In serious cases, criminal prosecution may be carried out if the violation is of a large commercial nature and high profit.

When is a parody MV considered legal?

Not all parodies violate the law. The law allows some exceptions to use works without permission, if specific conditions are met.

Parody for non-commercial purposes

According to Article 25 of the Intellectual Property Law 2022, individuals can use published works for research, teaching, commentary, or personal illustration purposes, as long as it does not affect the author’s commercial exploitation rights.

For example:

Students make parodies for artistic creation competitions or for study purposes.

Groups make parodies to satirize society, comment on culture, but do not post advertisements or make money.

In these cases, parody can be considered legal if it ensures the factor of “non-commercial and does not damage the honor and reputation of the original work”.

With the author’s consent or license

If the MV parody has a commercial purpose (for example, posting on YouTube to make money, PR for a brand, advertise a product, etc.), you must ask for permission from the copyright owner of the original work.

Permission can be obtained by:

Written copyright agreement with the musician, singer, or original MV production company.

Paying royalties or signing a derivative rights transfer contract.

Only with a valid license are you allowed to:

Use original music or beats.

Re-edit similar footage or visual styles.

Release parody MVs on social media platforms or commercial channels.

If you do not ask for permission, even if you write “just a parody – not intended to offend”, you can still be sued or have your video removed at the request of the copyright owner.

Do not distort or insult the original work

Article 28 of the Intellectual Property Law 2022 also lists the act of distorting, cutting, or distorting the content of the original work as an infringement of the author’s personal rights.

Therefore, if the parody contains elements of ridicule, defamation, distortion of message, or misunderstanding, affecting the reputation of the original work or the creator, the video is still considered an infringement, even if you do not make money from it.

Above are the shares from VCD revolving around the topic “Does shooting a parody MV violate copyright?” Hopefully the article will help you better understand the related regulations, thereby knowing how to create a parody MV legally, safely and still maintain the uniqueness of each product.

Sincerely,

FAQ

1. How to make a parody MV without violating copyright?

To make a parody MV legal, you should ask for written permission from the copyright owner, clearly state the source of the original work, and limit the copying of the music, lyrics, or images. This helps avoid legal risks and protects the rights of both parties.

2. Are parody MVs allowed to make money from advertising or commerce?

If a parody MV uses the original work without permission, making money can infringe on ownership and lead to lawsuits or content removal. Only with a clear license or copyright are you allowed to legally make money from parody MVs.