A Computer Program is a set of data and commands designed for operating computers and other computing devices to achieve a specific result. From a legal perspective, computer programs are equated with literary works and protected by copyright.
Software Registration is a voluntary legal procedure for the official confirmation of copyright in computer software by entering the program into the State Register of Computer Programs maintained by Rospatent (the Russian Federal Service for Intellectual Property).
Computer programs and databases are protected by copyright law but may be voluntarily registered with Rospatent (the Federal Service for Intellectual Property) for enhanced legal protection.
What Software Can Be Registered?
- By purpose / function:
- System Software (operating systems, drivers, utilities);
- Application Software (office suites, graphics packages);
- Game Applications (video games, interactive entertainment);
- Mobile Applications (apps for iOS, Android, and other platforms);
- Web Applications & SaaS (cloud-based solutions, web services);
- Embedded Software (firmware for IoT devices, industrial controllers).
2. By form of expression:
- Source code;
- Object code;
- Algorithms;
- Databases.
Unlike inventions, which are protected by patent law, computer programs are protected by copyright law (as literary works). Software registration confirms the fact of creation but does not involve examination for novelty or uniqueness of algorithms.
Key Terminology for Software Registration:
- Rospatent: Federal Service for Intellectual Property of the Russian Federation;
- FIPS: Federal Institute of Industrial Property, the examining body under Rospatent;
- Form RPD: The official Rospatent application form for registering a computer program or database (RPD stands for “Registration Card for Computer Program/Database”);
- Deposit: Submission of a copy of the program for official storage;
- Software Register: The official state register of registered programs;
- Copyright Certificate: Official document confirming your rights;
- Licensing Agreement: Contract governing the transfer of rights.
- Preparation: Drafting an abstract and selecting the code to be deposited
- Application Filing: Completing Form RPD, paying the state fee, and submitting to Rospatent/FIPS (electronically or on paper)
- Formal Examination: Verification of compliance with formal requirements (no substantive examination of novelty or uniqueness)
- Certificate Issuance: Entry into the official register and issuance of the certificate
Estimated Timelines for Software Registration:
Software Registration Procedure: From 2 months
Official State Fees for Software Registration:
Application examination and decision: about $62.50
Our Service Fees for Software Registration:
Software registration support: From $370
Includes preparation of all required documents, Form RPD completion, submission to Rospatent, and monitoring until certificate issuance.
Software registration with Rospatent is declaratory in nature and is not mandatory for the establishment of copyright protection. However, it significantly facilitates enforcement of rights within the legal framework.
Core Regulatory Framework for Software Registration:
- Part IV, Chapter 70 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation;
- Order of the Ministry of Economic Development No. 210 of April 5, 2016 “On Approval of the Administrative Regulations for the Provision by the Federal Service for Intellectual Property of the Public Service for the State Registration of a Computer Program or Database and the Issuance of Certificates of State Registration of a Computer Program or Database, and Their Duplicates”;
- Order of the Ministry of Economic Development No. 211 of April 5, 2016 “On Approval of the Rules for Submitting an Application for State Registration of a Computer Program or Database, the Rules for Drafting Documents Serving as the Basis for Implementing Legally Significant Actions Related to State Registration of a Computer Program or Database, and Their Forms, the Procedure for State Registration of a Computer Program or Database, the List of Information on a Registered Computer Program or Database Published in the Official Bulletin of the Federal Intellectual Property Service, the List of Information Specified in the Certificate of State Registration of a Computer Program or Database, the Form of the Certificate of State Registration of a Computer Program, and the Form of the Certificate of State Registration of a Database”;
- Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works of September 9, 1886.
Protect your software with official state registration. Contact us for a free consultation.
