IPOPHL Streamlines Copyright Registration Under New Copyright Services Rules

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has issued Memorandum Circular No. 2026-007, promulgating the Revised Rules and Regulations on Copyright Registration and Copyright Related Services, also known as the “Copyright Services Rules.” The issuance updates the administrative framework under Section 191 of the Intellectual Property Code and the 2011 Memorandum of Agreement deputizing IPOPHL to process copyright registrations and recordations. The new Rules aim to streamline registration procedures and integrate related services to improve administrative efficiency and transparency. Notably, while the National Library will continue to receive legal deposits under P.D. 812, registration under the new Rules is deemed full compliance with the legal deposit requirement.

Under the revised framework, applications for copyright registration may be filed by (1) author or creator, (2) heirs or successors-in-interest, (3) assignee of copyright, and (4) authorized agents or representatives of a copyright owner. Registration covers both original and derivative works, and applications must be submitted electronically through IPOPHL’s designated online filing system in the prescribed format. Applications undergo review for completeness and consistency of information. Once the prescribed fee is paid and the work is determined to be registrable, IPOPHL will issue an electronic Copyright Certificate of Registration within seven (7) working days for regular applications, or twenty (20) working days for highly technical applications. Applications lacking required documents or payment will be deemed abandoned thirty (30) days from notice, unless the applicant formally notifies the Bureau of the intent to pursue the application.

The Rules identify nine (9) grounds for refusal of copyright registration under Rule IV. Registration may be refused where a work (1) lacks human authorship, (2) the work is not an original or was copied from another’s work, (3) lacks the minimum degree of creativity. Registration is likewise barred for works in the (4) ontological public domain, (5) traditional cultural expressions unless they qualify as contemporary expressions, performances, or derivatives thereof, and (6) outside the statutorily defined categories of copyrightable works. Other grounds include (7) lack of proper authorization, (8) inconsistencies between the named owner and supporting documents, and (9) prior registration with either the National Library or IPOPHL.

Where a work is deemed unregistrable based on the abovementioned grounds, the Rules provide administrative remedies for challenging the finding. The copyright registration specialist, with the notation of the Division Chief, must issue a formal copyright registrability report within twenty (20) working days from submission of complete requirements. The applicant may then file a Request for Review with the Office of the Bureau Director within ten (10) days from receipt of the copyright registrability report. If the refusal is affirmed, the applicant may file an Appeal with the IPOPHL Office of the Director General, subject to the corresponding appeal fees.

The Rules also establish streamlined procedures for recordation and resale enrollment. Authors, creators, heirs, assignees, transferees, and exclusive licensees may apply to record transfers, assignments, licenses, or mortgages of copyright by submitting the relevant deed or contract. IPOPHL will issue an electronic certificate or transfer certificate bearing a notation of the recordation and publish a public notice on its website or E-Gazette. Works eligible for resale rights may likewise be enrolled in the Registry of Qualified Works, upon which IPOPHL will issue an electronic certificate of enrollment within seven (7) days of the finding and publish the work’s certification and provenance.