In brief
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 (“Rules”), which took effect on 20 March 2026. These Rules were issued to streamline and update copyright registration procedures and to include related services to improve efficiency and transparency.
The Rules set out the procedures governing copyright registration, including the filing and examination process, issuance of certificates of registration, amendments and cancellations, recordation of assignments and licenses, and enrollment of resale rights. A key development under the Rules is the mandatory electronic filing of all copyright applications. Applications, copies of the works sought to be registered, and all required forms must now be submitted exclusively through IPOPHL’s official electronic filing platform.
As such, copyright owners and applicants should ensure compliance with the prescribed formats, electronic filing channels, and payment deadlines.
The Rules also specify grounds for refusal of copyright registration, including lack of human authorship, originality, or creative expression, public domain works, and traditional cultural expressions.
For a detailed analysis of the Rules, read the full alert on quisumbingtorres.com or through the link below.
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