Copyright

Copyright is a form of legal protection granted to authors of scientific, literary, and artistic works, as well as computer programs, databases, and other intellectual property objects. Copyright protection arises automatically from the moment a work is created. However, formal registration strengthens the evidentiary base in case of disputes.

What Can Be Protected by Copyright?

• Literary, scientific, and musical works (books, articles, research papers, musical compositions);
• Software and databases (see our Software Registration Service);
• Audiovisual works (films, videos, music clips);
• Visual arts and design (photographs, graphic designs, architectural projects).

Copyright Registration is the official procedure for recording and confirming authorship of scientific, literary, and artistic works, as well as other intellectual property objects. In Russia, this procedure is declaratory in nature and is carried out through a deposit system.

Key Features of Copyright Registration:

1. Voluntary nature: Unlike patents, copyright protection arises automatically upon creation of the work—registration is optional;
2. Evidentiary function: Registration establishes an official record of the creation date and authorship, providing prima facie evidence in legal proceedings.

Types of Copyright and Their Duration:

Key Terminology in Copyright Protection:

• RAO: Russian Authors’ Society – collective management organization for copyright;
• Private Depository: A commercial organization authorized to provide deposit services for various types of works (unlike Rospatent, which handles software specifically);
• n’RIS: National Register of Intellectual Property (private depository);
• IREG: Intellectual Copyright Registrar (private depository);
• Deposit: The act of submitting a copy of a work to an accredited registry for official safekeeping and timestamping;
• Deposit Certificate (Protocol): An official document confirming the deposit, containing details of the work, author, depository, and the exact deposit date;
• Copyright Agreement: Contract governing the transfer of rights (license or assignment).

Duration of Protection for Copyright:

Moral rights are perpetual, but the registration of the work may require updating in the event of significant modifications.

Deposit Estimated Timelines:

Copyright Deposit Process: From 3 days, maximum 7 days

Our Service Fee for Copyright Deposit:

from $210

Includes consultation, material preparation, depository selection, submission, and certificate delivery.

Core Regulatory Framework for Copyright:

Part IV of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation

Secure your creative works with official copyright deposit. Contact us for a free consultation.