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:
- Copyright registration application form according to the prescribed form.
- 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.
- Copyright attribution: Add copyright information (© Author name, year) on the image when using.
- 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,
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).
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.