How to Register a Copyright with NLP
The National Library of the Philippines (NLP) is the government agency responsible for the registration of copyright in the Philippines. Under Republic Act No. 8293, also known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, copyright protection is automatic from the moment of creation of a work. This means that an author or creator does not need to register their work in order to enjoy copyright protection. However, registering your work with the NLP Copyright Office provides significant legal advantages, most notably prima facie evidence of ownership — a legal presumption that the registered person is the true owner of the copyright unless proven otherwise in court.
The NLP Copyright Office, housed within the National Library Building along T.M. Kalaw Street in Ermita, Manila, serves as the central repository and registry for all copyright registrations in the country. It maintains the official records of copyrighted works and issues Certificates of Copyright Registration to applicants. This certificate can be used as evidence in legal proceedings involving disputes over ownership, authorship, or infringement of intellectual property rights. The registration process is straightforward, affordable at just ₱200 per work, and can typically be completed within 5 to 10 working days.
Whether you are a writer, musician, artist, software developer, filmmaker, or any other type of creative professional, registering your copyright with NLP is a prudent step to protect your intellectual property. This guide will walk you through the entire process — from understanding what copyright covers, to preparing your documents, visiting the NLP office, and receiving your Certificate of Copyright Registration.
Key Facts About Copyright Registration
Before you begin the registration process, here are important facts you should know about copyright and registration with the National Library of the Philippines:
- What copyright covers: Copyright protects original literary, scholarly, scientific, and artistic works. This includes books, articles, poems, musical compositions, paintings, photographs, films, computer programs, architectural designs, and other creative works fixed in a tangible medium of expression.
- Why register: While copyright protection is automatic under Philippine law, registration with NLP creates an official public record and provides prima facie evidence of ownership. This is crucial in copyright infringement cases, where the burden of proof shifts to the other party to disprove your ownership claim.
- Legal basis: Republic Act No. 8293 (the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines), as amended by RA 10372, governs copyright protection. Presidential Decree No. 49 (the old Copyright Law) and Republic Act No. 8508 also provide the framework for copyright registration with the NLP.
- Duration of protection: Copyright lasts for the lifetime of the author plus 50 years after the author's death. For works of joint authorship, it lasts for 50 years after the death of the last surviving author. For works owned by juridical entities, protection lasts for 50 years from publication.
- Registration fee: The standard registration fee is ₱200 per work, payable at the NLP cashier. This is one of the most affordable intellectual property registration fees in the Philippines.
- Processing time: The Certificate of Copyright Registration is typically released within 5 to 10 working days from the date of submission of complete requirements.
Important: Copyright vs. Trademark vs. Patent
Copyright registration with NLP is NOT the same as trademark registration or patent registration. These are three distinct forms of intellectual property protection handled by different government agencies.
- Copyright (NLP) — protects original creative works such as books, music, art, software, and films. Copyright is registered with the National Library of the Philippines (NLP).
- Trademark (IPOPHL) — protects brand names, logos, slogans, and other identifiers that distinguish goods or services. Trademarks are registered with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).
- Patent (IPOPHL) — protects inventions, processes, and industrial designs. Patents are also registered with IPOPHL.
If you need to register a trademark or patent, do not go to NLP. Instead, visit the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) at their office in Taguig City or through their online filing system at www.ipophil.gov.ph.
Common mistake: Many applicants confuse copyright with trademark. For example, the title of a book is generally not copyrightable, but the content of the book is. If you want to protect a brand name or business logo, you need a trademark, not a copyright registration.
Works That Can Be Registered
Under the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines (RA 8293), the following categories of original works are eligible for copyright registration with the National Library of the Philippines:
- Literary works — novels, short stories, poems, essays, articles, theses, dissertations, textbooks, encyclopedias, dictionaries, letters, speeches, sermons, addresses, dissertations, and other written compositions. This also includes computer programs and compilations of data or other materials.
- Musical works — songs, compositions, arrangements, and musical scores, with or without accompanying lyrics. This includes original musical compositions in any genre — pop, rock, classical, folk, OPM, hip-hop, or any other style.
- Dramatic works — plays, screenplays, scripts, choreographic works, pantomimes, and other works created for performance on stage, television, or other media. This includes both the script and the stage directions.
- Artistic works — paintings, drawings, sculptures, engravings, lithographs, prints, illustrations, maps, charts, plans, diagrams, and other works of fine art or applied art. This includes both traditional and digital artwork.
- Audiovisual works — films, documentaries, television shows, video recordings, animations, and other works that consist of a series of related images that convey the impression of motion, with or without accompanying sounds.
- Computer programs and software — source code and object code of computer programs, mobile applications, websites, and other software works. Computer programs are protected as literary works under Philippine copyright law.
- Photographs — original photographic works, including portraits, landscapes, artistic photographs, documentary photographs, and works produced by a process analogous to photography, including digital photographs.
- Derivative works — translations, adaptations, arrangements, and other transformations of pre-existing works, provided they are original in their expression. This includes translations of literary works from one language to another (e.g., Filipino to English), musical arrangements, and dramatizations of novels.
- Compilations and databases — collections of data, literary, or artistic works that are original by reason of the selection or arrangement of their contents. This includes anthologies, encyclopedias, and databases that involve creative selection or organization.
- Architectural works — original designs of buildings and structures, including architectural plans, blueprints, and models. The protection extends to the design itself, not the physical structure.
Note: Copyright does not protect ideas, facts, procedures, systems, methods of operation, concepts, principles, or discoveries. It only protects the original expression of these ideas in a tangible form. For example, the idea of writing a novel about Philippine history is not copyrightable, but the specific way an author writes that novel is protected by copyright.
Step-by-Step: How to Register a Copyright with NLP
Prepare Two Copies of the Work
The first step in registering your copyright is to prepare two (2) copies of the work you wish to register. These copies will be submitted to the NLP Copyright Office as part of your application. The type of copy required depends on the nature of your work:
- For books and printed materials: Submit two (2) printed copies of the book, manuscript, article, or other printed work. If the work is unpublished, you may submit two (2) copies of the manuscript in its final form.
- For musical works: Submit two (2) copies of the sheet music or musical score. If the music has lyrics, include the lyrics along with the score. For recorded music, submit two (2) copies of the CD, USB, or other recording medium.
- For artistic works: Submit two (2) photographs or reproductions of the artwork. For paintings, sculptures, or other visual works, provide clear, high-quality photographs showing the complete work.
- For audiovisual works: Submit two (2) copies of the film or video on DVD, USB, or other digital medium. Include a synopsis or description of the work.
- For computer programs/software: Submit a printed copy of the first twenty-five (25) and last twenty-five (25) pages of the source code, plus a copy of the user manual or documentation.
- For photographs: Submit two (2) prints or digital copies of the photographs. Digital copies may be submitted on a CD or USB drive.
- For large or bulky works: If the work is too large to submit in full (e.g., a mural, large sculpture, or architectural work), you may submit representative material such as photographs, reduced reproductions, or descriptions of the work.
Tip: Make sure the copies you submit are clear, legible, and complete. For published works, include the copyright page and title page. The NLP will retain one copy for their records and the other may be returned to you upon request.
Fill Out the NLP Copyright Registration Application Form
Obtain and complete the official NLP Copyright Registration Application Form. This form is available at the NLP Copyright Office or can be downloaded from the NLP website. The form requires the following information:
- Title of the work — the exact title as it appears on the work, including any subtitle
- Type/category of work — literary, musical, dramatic, artistic, audiovisual, computer program, photograph, etc.
- Name(s) of the author(s) — the full legal name(s) of the creator(s) of the work. If using a pseudonym, indicate both the real name and the pen name.
- Nationality of the author(s) — indicate if Filipino or foreign national
- Date of creation — when the work was first created or completed
- Date of first publication — if applicable, when the work was first made available to the public. If the work is unpublished, indicate "unpublished"
- Place of publication — where the work was first published (city and country)
- Publisher information — the name and address of the publisher, if applicable. For self-published works, indicate "self-published"
- Copyright claimant — the person or entity claiming copyright ownership. This may be the author, an assignee, or an employer (in the case of works made for hire)
- Brief description of the work — a short summary or description of the content and nature of the work
Tip: Fill out the form completely and accurately. Incomplete forms may cause delays in processing. If you are unsure about any field, ask the NLP staff for assistance when you visit their office. Double-check the spelling of names and the accuracy of dates before submission.
Visit the NLP Copyright Office
Bring your completed application form and the two copies of your work to the NLP Copyright Office. The office is located at:
Copyright Office
National Library of the Philippines
National Library Building, T.M. Kalaw Street
Ermita, Manila 1000
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
- The NLP Copyright Office is located inside the National Library Building. Upon entering the building, proceed to the Copyright Office section and inform the staff that you are filing a copyright registration.
- The National Library Building is accessible by public transportation. It is near Rizal Park (Luneta Park) and is a short walk from the United Nations LRT Station.
- Arrive early, especially if you are visiting during peak hours. Processing times may vary depending on the volume of applicants.
Submit the Application Form with Copies of the Work
Present your completed application form, the two (2) copies of your work, and all required supporting documents to the NLP Copyright Office staff. They will review your application for completeness and accuracy.
- The NLP staff will check that the application form is completely filled out and that the copies of the work match the description on the form
- You will need to present a valid government-issued ID for identity verification purposes
- If you are filing on behalf of someone else, present the notarized Special Power of Attorney (SPA) along with valid IDs of both you and the author/copyright owner
- If the work has multiple authors, you may need to present a written agreement or consent from all co-authors authorizing the registration
- The staff may ask clarifying questions about the nature of the work, particularly for derivative works, compilations, or works involving multiple contributors
Pay the Registration Fee (₱200 per Work)
After your application has been reviewed and accepted, proceed to the NLP cashier to pay the registration fee. The standard fee is ₱200.00 per work.
- Payment is made at the NLP cashier on-site. Make sure to bring the exact amount or sufficient cash, as the cashier may have limited change available.
- After payment, you will receive an official receipt (OR) from the cashier. Keep this receipt — you will need to present it when claiming your Certificate of Copyright Registration.
- If you are registering multiple works (e.g., a collection of poems where each poem is a separate work), you will need to pay ₱200 for each individual work being registered.
- The registration fee is subject to change. Verify the current fee with NLP before your visit. As of the most recent schedule, the fee remains at ₱200 per work.
Tip: Bring additional cash in case you need to pay for additional services such as certified true copies of the certificate or research/search fees for copyright records.
Receive the Certificate of Copyright Registration
After submitting your application and paying the fee, the NLP Copyright Office will process your registration. The Certificate of Copyright Registration is typically released within 5 to 10 working days from the date of submission of complete requirements.
- The NLP staff will inform you of the expected release date when you submit your application. Take note of this date and return to the NLP office to claim your certificate.
- When claiming, bring your official receipt and a valid ID. If someone else will claim on your behalf, they must bring an authorization letter and valid IDs of both parties.
- The Certificate of Copyright Registration contains the registration number, the title of the work, the name(s) of the author(s), the type of work, the date of creation, and the date of registration.
- Keep the original certificate in a safe place. You may request certified true copies from NLP if needed for legal proceedings or other purposes (additional fees may apply).
- The certificate serves as prima facie evidence of copyright ownership and is admissible as evidence in Philippine courts.
Documentary Requirements
When filing for copyright registration with NLP, make sure to prepare and submit the following documents and requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Form | NLP Copyright Registration Form, completely filled out. Available at the NLP Copyright Office or downloadable from the NLP website. Must be signed by the author or authorized representative. |
| Two (2) Copies of the Work | Two copies of the work being registered — books, manuscripts, printed scores, CDs, DVDs, USB drives, photographs, prints, or other appropriate format depending on the type of work. For unpublished works, submit two copies of the manuscript or final draft. |
| Valid ID of the Author/Copyright Owner | Any valid government-issued ID such as passport, driver's license, PhilSys National ID, SSS/GSIS UMID, postal ID, voter's ID, PRC ID, or school ID with photo. Present the original and submit a photocopy. |
| Notarized Special Power of Attorney (SPA) | Required only if the application is being filed by a representative on behalf of the author or copyright owner. The SPA must be notarized and must specifically authorize the representative to file the copyright registration. Include valid IDs of both the author/owner and the representative. |
| Written Consent/Agreement (Multiple Authors) | If the work was created by two or more authors (joint work), a written agreement or consent from all co-authors authorizing the registration should be submitted. This document should identify each co-author's contribution to the work. |
| Registration Fee | ₱200.00 per work, payable at the NLP cashier upon submission of the application. An official receipt will be issued as proof of payment. |
| Proof of Publication (Published Works) | For published works, include the copyright page and title page showing the title, author(s), publisher, ISBN/ISSN (if applicable), year of publication, and edition. This helps establish the date and place of first publication. |
| Source Code and User Manual (Software) | For computer programs and software, submit the printed first twenty-five (25) and last twenty-five (25) pages of the source code, plus a copy of the user manual or software documentation. If the source code is fewer than 50 pages, submit the entire source code. Trade secrets may be redacted from the source code if clearly marked. |
Note: Requirements may vary depending on the type of work being registered. For unusual or specialized works, contact the NLP Copyright Office in advance to confirm the specific requirements. The NLP staff can provide guidance on what materials to submit for non-standard works such as performance art, multimedia installations, or collaborative projects.
Complete Example: Copyright Registration Scenario
Below is a sample scenario showing a typical copyright registration with the National Library of the Philippines. This example illustrates the information and documents involved in a standard application:
============================================
NLP COPYRIGHT REGISTRATION - SAMPLE
============================================
Applicant: Juan dela Cruz
Type of Work: Literary Work (Novel)
Title: "Mga Kwento ng Lungsod"
Author(s): Juan dela Cruz
Date of Creation: January 15, 2024
Date of First Publication: March 1, 2024
Publisher: Self-published
Requirements Submitted:
✓ Completed Application Form
✓ Two (2) copies of the published book
✓ Valid government-issued ID
✓ Payment of ₱200.00 registration fee
Status: REGISTERED
Certificate No.: CR-2024-XXXXX
Date of Registration: March 15, 2024
Note: Registration is valid for the life
of the author plus 50 years after death.
============================================Walkthrough of the Example
In this scenario, Juan dela Cruz is a Filipino author who wrote a novel titled "Mga Kwento ng Lungsod" ("Stories of the City"). He self-published the book in March 2024 and decided to register his copyright with NLP to protect his rights as the author.
Juan visited the NLP Copyright Office at the National Library Building on T.M. Kalaw Street, Ermita, Manila. He brought the completed application form, two copies of his published novel (which included the copyright page and title page), and his valid government-issued ID.
After the NLP staff reviewed his application and confirmed that all requirements were complete, Juan paid the ₱200.00 registration fee at the NLP cashier and received an official receipt. He was informed that his Certificate of Copyright Registration would be ready for pickup in approximately 7 working days.
Juan returned to the NLP office on the scheduled date, presented his official receipt and ID, and received his Certificate of Copyright Registration with the registration number CR-2024-XXXXX. This certificate now serves as prima facie evidence that Juan dela Cruz is the copyright owner of "Mga Kwento ng Lungsod."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is copyright registration mandatory in the Philippines?
No. Copyright registration is not mandatory in the Philippines. Under Republic Act No. 8293 (the Intellectual Property Code), copyright protection is automatic from the moment of creation of the work. You do not need to register your work, affix a copyright notice, or take any formal action to enjoy copyright protection. However, registration with the NLP is highly recommended because it provides prima facie evidence of ownership, which can be crucial in legal disputes. Without registration, you may still enforce your copyright, but you will bear a heavier burden of proving ownership and authorship.
What is the difference between copyright and trademark?
Copyright and trademark protect different types of intellectual property:
- Copyright protects original creative works — such as books, music, art, films, software, and photographs — from being copied, distributed, or performed without the author's permission. Copyright is registered with the National Library of the Philippines (NLP).
- Trademark protects brand identifiers — such as business names, logos, slogans, and product names — that distinguish one company's goods or services from another. Trademarks are registered with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).
For example, the content of a novel is protected by copyright, while the brand name of the publishing company is protected by trademark. These are separate registrations handled by different agencies.
How long does copyright protection last?
The duration of copyright protection under Philippine law depends on the type of authorship:
- Individual author: Copyright lasts for the lifetime of the author plus 50 years after the author's death.
- Joint authors: Copyright lasts for the lifetime of the last surviving author plus 50 years after their death.
- Anonymous/pseudonymous works: Copyright lasts for 50 years from the date of publication. If the author's identity is revealed before the term expires, the standard lifetime-plus-50 rule applies.
- Works owned by juridical entities (corporations, organizations): Copyright lasts for 50 years from the date of publication.
- Photographic works: Copyright lasts for 50 years from the date of publication.
- Applied art: Copyright lasts for 25 years from the date of creation.
After the copyright term expires, the work enters the public domain and can be freely used, reproduced, and distributed by anyone.
Can I register a copyright for a song or music?
Yes. Musical works, including songs, compositions, arrangements, and musical scores, are eligible for copyright registration with NLP. You can register the musical composition (the melody and arrangement), the lyrics (as a literary work), or both together. When registering a song, submit two copies of the sheet music or musical score along with the lyrics. If you have a recorded version, you may also submit two copies of the recording on CD or USB. Note that the copyright for the musical composition and the copyright for the sound recording may belong to different persons — the composer owns the copyright to the song itself, while the record label or producer may own the copyright to the specific recording.
What if the author is deceased?
If the author is deceased, the copyright may be registered by the author's legal heirs, beneficiaries, or the executor/administrator of the author's estate. The following additional documents are typically required:
- Death certificate of the author
- Proof of relationship or legal heirship (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate, or court-issued documents such as Letters of Administration or Letters Testamentary)
- Extrajudicial settlement of estate or court order, if applicable, showing the transfer of copyright to the heirs
- Valid IDs of the heir(s) filing the application
Copyright passes to the heirs as part of the author's estate and continues for the remainder of the copyright term (50 years after the author's death).
Can foreigners register copyright in the Philippines?
Yes. Foreign nationals can register their copyrighted works with the NLP. The Philippines is a signatory to several international copyright treaties, including the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Copyright Treaty. Under these treaties, works created by nationals of member countries are entitled to the same copyright protection in the Philippines as works by Filipino authors. Foreign applicants must submit the same requirements as Filipino applicants, plus a valid passport or other acceptable identification. If the foreign applicant cannot personally visit the NLP, they may file through an authorized representative with a notarized Special Power of Attorney.
Can I register copyright online?
As of the latest information, the NLP Copyright Office primarily processes copyright registration through walk-in applications at the National Library Building in Ermita, Manila. While the NLP has been exploring digital transformation initiatives, the standard process still requires a personal visit to submit the physical copies of the work and the application form. Some forms may be downloadable from the NLP website for advance preparation. It is recommended to contact the NLP Copyright Office directly or check their official website for the most current information on any online filing options that may have been implemented. You may reach them at their official contact numbers during office hours.
What happens if someone infringes my copyright?
If someone uses, copies, distributes, or performs your copyrighted work without your permission, you have several legal remedies available under Philippine law:
- Send a cease-and-desist letter: Demand that the infringer stop using your work. This is often the first step and may resolve the issue without litigation.
- File a complaint with IPOPHL: The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines has a Bureau of Legal Affairs (BLA) that handles intellectual property disputes, including copyright infringement cases. You can file an administrative complaint for damages and injunctive relief.
- File a civil case in court: You can file a civil action for copyright infringement to recover actual damages, moral damages, attorney's fees, and other costs. The court may also issue an injunction to stop the infringing activity.
- File a criminal complaint: Copyright infringement is a criminal offense under the Intellectual Property Code. Penalties include imprisonment and fines. Criminal complaints may be filed with the Department of Justice (DOJ) or directly with the prosecutor's office.
- Report to the Optical Media Board (OMB): If the infringement involves pirated optical media (CDs, DVDs), you can report it to the Optical Media Board for enforcement action.
Having a Certificate of Copyright Registration from NLP significantly strengthens your case because it serves as prima facie evidence of ownership. Without registration, you will need to independently prove your authorship and ownership of the work.
Important Reminders
- Copyright exists from the moment of creation — registration with NLP is optional but highly recommended. Even without registration, your work is protected by copyright from the moment you create it in a fixed, tangible form.
- NLP Copyright Registration provides prima facie evidence of ownership — this means the law presumes you are the copyright owner unless someone presents evidence to the contrary. This significantly strengthens your legal position in infringement cases and ownership disputes.
- Registration fee is ₱200 per work — this is one of the most affordable intellectual property registration fees in the country. For the protection it provides, it is a worthwhile investment for any creative professional.
- Processing time is 5 to 10 working days — after submitting your complete application and paying the fee, expect to receive your Certificate of Copyright Registration within 5 to 10 working days. Actual processing time may vary depending on the volume of applications.
- For copyright disputes, consult IPOPHL or seek legal counsel — while NLP handles copyright registration, disputes over copyright infringement and ownership are handled by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and the regular courts. If you believe your copyright has been infringed, consult a lawyer who specializes in intellectual property law.
- Legal Deposit Law (RA 10066) requires publishers to deposit copies with NLP — under the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, publishers are required to deposit copies of all published materials with the National Library of the Philippines. This is separate from copyright registration but may be done simultaneously. Failure to comply with the Legal Deposit requirement may result in penalties.
- Keep records of your creative process — in addition to registration, maintain records that document the creation of your work, such as drafts, sketches, dated notes, emails, and file timestamps. These can serve as additional evidence of authorship.
- Copyright notice is recommended but not required — while Philippine law does not require a copyright notice (the © symbol followed by the year and author's name), including one on your published works serves as a warning to potential infringers and may be used to establish that infringement was willful.
- Register each work separately — each distinct work requires a separate copyright registration. A collection (such as a poetry anthology) may be registered as a single compilation, but the individual poems within it may also be separately registered if desired.
- Update your records if copyright is transferred — if you sell, assign, or license your copyright to another person or entity, it is advisable to record the transfer with NLP to update the official records. This helps prevent confusion and protects the rights of the new copyright owner.
Need Help?
If you need assistance with copyright registration or have questions about the process, you may contact the NLP Copyright Office through the following channels:
NLP Copyright Office
National Library Building
T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila
Operating Hours
Mon - Fri
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the NLP you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest NLP first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.