Copyright Notification

No. Copyright arises automatically the moment a work is created — you don't need to register first to have rights. However, notifying the Department of Intellectual Property gives you documented proof of the date and details of your work that can be referenced if a dispute arises later.

Copyright notification simply records information about a work with the Department — there's no in-depth examination like there is for a patent. It protects creative works such as writing, art, and music. A patent protects inventions and product designs, and must pass examination before protection is granted.

It covers nearly every type of creative work, such as paintings, drawings, musical works, films, books, craft works, sculptures, computer programs, choreographic works, and artistic works — see the full list above.

Our service fee starts from THB 4,900, plus government fees (if any), which are separate. The final price depends on the type and number of works notified and the actual scope of work.

Thailand is a member of the Berne Convention, so Thai copyright works receive automatic protection in other member countries under the principle of reciprocity — generally, there's no need to re-notify separately in each country, unlike a patent or trademark.

Generally, protection lasts for the creator's lifetime plus 50 years after their death. The term can vary by type of work, such as photographs or audiovisual material — please ask about the details for your specific type of work.

Yes. The copyright owner can assign all or part of their rights to someone else, or license them with a limited scope or term. This should be done through a clear written contract specifying the scope of the assignment/license to prevent future disputes.

This generally depends on the nature of the employment and any agreement between employer and employee. If there's no agreement otherwise, Thai copyright law has specific rules on who holds the right. We recommend a clear employment or engagement contract specifying ownership of the work from the outset, to reduce future disputes.