Full and easy-to-understand guide to registering copyright for paintings

Painting artworks are not merely objects to admire; they are the result of countless hours of intellectual labor, compressed emotions, and accumulated skills. However, amid the continuous stream of creativity, many painters often forget to protect their “spiritual offspring” by means of copyright registration for painting artworks.

So is copyright registration for painting artworks really important? How do you register in a way that is legal, fast, and cost-effective? All will be answered in the article below, composed by Thien Di Law Firm — your trusted companion on the journey to protecting intellectual property in the arts.

1. What is a painting artwork?

Painting artworks are artistic creations presented in flat visual forms such as oil paintings, watercolors, silk paintings, sketches, digital drawings… They can be showcased in exhibitions, printed, digitized, or commercialized in various formats.

Under Vietnam’s intellectual property law, painting artworks belong to the category of visual artistic works — and can be registered for protection under copyright registration for painting artworks if they meet the criteria of originality, clear physical form, and reproducibility.

2. Why should you register copyright for painting artworks?

Registering copyright is not just a legal formality. It helps you to:

• Affirm your lawful ownership of your work.
• Prevent unauthorized copying, use, or forgery.
• Enhance the commercial value of your work when transferring, selling, or licensing it.
• Establish a strong legal foundation in case of disputes.
• Facilitate participation in exhibitions, digital platforms, NFT projects, or international transactions.

An unregistered work may be appropriated without you having sufficient legal ground to claim — that’s the major risk that copyright registration can help eliminate.

3. Who is eligible to register copyright?

According to current law, the following are eligible to be named in the file for copyright registration for painting artworks:

• The author who directly created the work
• A group of co-authors, if the work is jointly created
• An organization or enterprise if the author has transferred ownership rights
• A legally authorized representative filing on behalf of the applicant

Correctly identifying the filer helps ensure that the registration is considered valid and avoids future complications.

4. Which painting artworks can be registered?

Not every image you create qualifies as a “work” for registration. Painting artworks eligible for copyright registration for painting artworks must:

• Be original and not copied from others.
• Be clearly represented in a tangible form (printed, scanned, digital file, etc.).
• Include identifiable information: author, date, and content.

Common types eligible for registration include:

• Hand-drawn paintings: oil, watercolor, pencil, charcoal, acrylic, silk…
• Digital art
• Illustrations for books, magazine covers, comics
• Commercial display posters, creative exhibition prints
• Works displayed in personal or group exhibitions

5. Documents required for copyright registration for painting artworks

A complete application package includes:

• Copyright registration form (as provided by the Copyright Office)
• A copy of the artwork (printed copy, digital file, or high-resolution photo)
• Personal ID document of the author (citizen ID or passport)
• Declaration of ownership if the work is personal
• Transfer agreement or contract if the applicant is not the author
• Power of attorney if registration is submitted by a third party like Thien Di Law Firm

6. Process for copyright registration of painting artworks

To ensure your painting artwork is officially protected under the law, you must follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the registration documents

• Copyright registration application form (official template).
• Two copies of the painting (physical prints or digital files).
• Documents proving the right to file (if the applicant is not the author).
• Declaration that the work is independently created and not disputed.
• Copies of identity documents of the author and rights holder.

Step 2: Submit documents to the competent authority

• Submit in person to the Copyright Office in Hanoi or regional offices in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang.
• Alternatively, submit by post or authorize a reputable legal entity like Thien Di Law Firm to file on your behalf.

Step 3: Receive the application receipt

• You will receive a confirmation receipt for a valid application.
• If documents are missing or invalid, you will be requested to supplement within the prescribed timeframe.

Step 4: Await processing and issuance

• Within 15 working days from the date of a complete valid application, the Copyright Office will issue the Certificate of Copyright if no disputes or errors arise.

Note:

• If documents are problematic, disputed, or incomplete, processing time may be extended.
• Using a professional service helps expedite the process and avoid risks.

7. Frequently asked questions about copyright protection for painting artworks

❓ Can unpublished works be registered?
✅ Yes. Works that have never been exhibited or published are still eligible for registration.

❓ Can works posted on social media be registered?
✅ Yes, if you can prove you created the work before anyone else.

❓ Can copyright be transferred to someone else?
✅ Yes. Copyright is a transferable asset and can be legally transferred via contract.

8. Copyright registration services at Thien Di Law Firm

Owning a unique painting is a source of pride, but to legally protect its value, you need expert support from an experienced entity. With over a decade in intellectual property, Thien Di Law Firm is proud to offer comprehensive, fast, and confidential copyright registration services:

🔹 Expert consultation on protectability, scope of rights, and appropriate handling per work type.

🔹 Preparation of legally compliant documents to save you time and effort.

🔹 Representation in dealings with the Copyright Office to ensure smooth processing.

🔹 Complete process monitoring with regular updates and timely responses to issues.

🔹 Advice and support on transferring or licensing copyright, ensuring legal benefit for authors.

🔹 Absolute confidentiality of all work-related information and ownership details.

Thien Di Law Firm has had the honor of supporting hundreds of painters, artists, and creative organizations domestically and internationally in protecting their artworks. We provide not just legal services, but also help affirm the artistic identity and value of each work.

📍 Thien Di Law Company Limited
Address: No. 36 A4 Street, Ward 12, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City

Hotline: 0982 020 789

Email: info@luatthiendi.com

Office hours: Mon–Thu (7:30 AM–5:30 PM) | Fri (7:30 AM–4:30 PM)